Description
Maculatus Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus maculatus / Spotted Sweetlips)
The Maculatus Sweetlips is a spectacular marine fish known for its dramatic juvenile appearance and impressive transformation as it matures. Juveniles display bold contrasting patterns and an unusual swimming motion, while adults develop a substantial body with beautiful spotted markings. A true showpiece species, it is best suited to very large marine aquariums.
Compatibility:
Peaceful to semi-aggressive. Best kept with larger, robust tankmates such as tangs, angelfish, butterflyfish, larger wrasses, and other substantial community fish. Small fish and crustaceans may eventually be viewed as prey as the Sweetlips grows.
Reef Compatibility:
Reef-safe with caution. Generally does not deliberately damage corals, but will prey on shrimp, crabs, worms, and other mobile invertebrates. Its eventual size also makes it unsuitable for most conventional reef aquariums.
Diet:
Carnivore – offer a varied diet including mysis shrimp, krill, chopped prawn, mussel, clam, squid, and other marine seafood. Juveniles can sometimes be reluctant feeders, so specimens already accepting prepared frozen foods are strongly preferred. Feed 2–3 small meals daily, particularly while young.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24–27°C
- Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Minimum Tank Size: 750L
Care Level:
Moderate to Advanced – requires excellent water quality, substantial filtration, plenty of swimming space, and careful feeding during acclimation. Its large adult size must be considered before purchase.
Top Tip:
Always choose a juvenile that is already feeding confidently on frozen or prepared foods. Sweetlips can be challenging to establish when newly imported, and planning for their considerable adult size from the outset is essential for long-term success.
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