Oriental Sweetlips

Oriental Sweetlips

Plectorhinchus vittatus

Least Concern
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DESCRIPTION

The Oriental Sweetlips is a striking reef fish with a body typically adorned with alternating black and white horizontal stripes in adults, along with yellow fins that often feature black spots. Their fleshy lips become notably swollen with age. They inhabit shallow coral reefs and coastal lagoons, often found singly or in small groups, and are nocturnal carnivores, feeding on invertebrates and small fishes.

Max Length 85 cm
Max Weight 8.3 kg
Lifespan Up to 15 years
Habitat Underwater cave, coastal zone, and coral reef
Depth Range 2 - 45 m
Diet Carnivore
Activity Nocturnal
Social Behavior Mixed behavour

Destinations to spot Oriental Sweetlips

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where Oriental Sweetlips has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Oriental Sweetlips

Where can you see the Oriental Sweetlips?

The Oriental Sweetlips can be seen at 26 dive destinations in 8 countries. The best spots include Addu Atoll (Maldives), Aliwal Shoal (South Africa), Apo Reef (Philippines), Ari Atoll (Maldives), and Baa Atoll (Maldives).

What is the best time to see the Oriental Sweetlips?

Sightings of the Oriental Sweetlips peak at different times depending on the destination: Richelieu Rock from December to April, Similan Islands from November to April, and Tubbataha Reefs from April to June.

Can you see the Oriental Sweetlips all year round?

Yes. At Aliwal Shoal, Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone Reef, the Oriental Sweetlips is seen all year round.

Where can you see the Oriental Sweetlips in Maldives?

In Maldives, you can see the Oriental Sweetlips at Addu Atoll, Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, North Male Atoll, South Ari Atoll, and South Malé Atoll.

Where can you see the Oriental Sweetlips in Australia?

In Australia, you can see the Oriental Sweetlips at Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island, Osprey Reef, and Ribbon Reefs.

Where can you see the Oriental Sweetlips in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, you can see the Oriental Sweetlips at Kapalai, Lankayan, Mabul, and Sipadan.

How big does the Oriental Sweetlips get?

The Oriental Sweetlips can reach up to 85 cm in length and 8.3 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Oriental Sweetlips live in?

The Oriental Sweetlips is found in these habitats: underwater cave, coastal zone, and coral reef.

How deep does the Oriental Sweetlips live?

The Oriental Sweetlips lives between 2 and 45 m deep.

What does the Oriental Sweetlips eat?

Feeds on other animals, from fish to crustaceans or molluscs depending on the species.

When is the Oriental Sweetlips most active?

Active after dark, resting or hidden away during the day. Night dives are when it comes out.

How long does the Oriental Sweetlips live?

The Oriental Sweetlips lives up to 15 years.

What is the conservation status of the Oriental Sweetlips?

The Oriental Sweetlips is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Oriental Sweetlips. Spotted something that looks off?

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