Harlequin Sweetlips Fish

The Harlequin Sweetlips, *Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides*, is a captivating and unique addition to a large marine aquarium. Its striking juvenile coloration, featuring a white body with large, irregular black spots, gradually transforms into a more subdued adult pattern of smaller spots on a greyish background. The distinctive thick lips and elongated snout are characteristic of the sweetlips family.

A minimum tank size of 180 gallons is recommended to accommodate the adult size of this fish, which can reach up to 28 inches in the wild, though typically smaller in captivity. A mature aquarium with ample live rock providing numerous hiding places and open swimming areas is essential for their well-being. While generally peaceful towards other fish, they can be territorial with conspecifics and should be kept singly unless in a very large system. They are not considered reef-safe as they may nip at corals and other invertebrates.

The Harlequin Sweetlips is a carnivorous species that requires a varied diet of meaty foods. Offer a mix of high-quality frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, and chopped seafood like squid and fish. They may be hesitant to eat initially and may need to be target-fed. Providing live foods can help entice them to eat. There are no readily apparent visual differences between males and females, and breeding in captivity is not common.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides
• Care Level: Intermediate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Compatibility: Not Reef Safe
• Region of Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Maximum Adult Size: 28"
• Recommended Tank Size: 250 gallons