Spotted Sweetlips Marine Fish

Spotted Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus Chaetodonoides)

$51.96

The Spotted Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides) is a captivating marine species celebrated for its dramatic juvenile coloration and unique undulating swimming motion. As it matures, this species undergoes an extraordinary transformation, shifting its striking juvenile pattern into a densely spotted adult coloration while growing to a formidable size.

Due to its substantial adult length of up to 71.1 cm and specialized dietary requirements, this magnificent carnivore is best suited for advanced aquarists or public aquariums with large marine systems of at least 1893 L. It thrives when provided with a high-protein diet of live and prepared meaty foods alongside peaceful, appropriately sized tank mates.

Key Features

Scientific Name	Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides
Common Names	Harlequin Sweetlips, Clown Sweetlips
Origin	Indo-Pacific
Max Size	Up to 71.1 cm
Temperament	Semi-Aggressive (as an adult predator)
Diet	Carnivore (Difficult to feed; requires live/meaty foods)
Minimum Tank Size	1893+ L (Expert Only)
Care Level	Expert
Water Type	Marine

Highlights

Scientific Name: Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides
Common Names: Harlequin Sweetlips, Clown Sweetlips, Harlequin Sweetlips
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Max Size: Up to 28 inches
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive (as an adult predator)
Diet: Carnivore (Difficult to feed; requires live/meaty foods)
Minimum Tank Size: 500+ Gallons (Expert Only)

Compatibility

Not reef safe. Peaceful as a juvenile, but will consume small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and worms as it matures. Avoid housing with overly aggressive species that may intimidate it during feeding.

How to use

Expert Care & Massive Requirements

The primary challenge in keeping this fish is feeding. Juveniles are notoriously difficult to acclimate to prepared foods and often require live feeder shrimp or black worms to initiate a feeding response. Once eating, they demand a highly varied, meaty, carnivore diet (squid, krill, fish flesh) fed multiple times daily. This heavy feeding regimen, combined with their eventual massive size, necessitates an advanced life support system and a minimum adult tank size of 500 gallons or larger.

Compatibility: While peaceful as a juvenile, this fish will consume any crustacean, mollusk, worm, or fish small enough to fit in its large mouth as it grows, making it NOT Reef Safe. It is also easily intimidated by overly aggressive tank mates.

Frequently asked questions

What size aquarium is required for an adult Spotted Sweetlips?

An adult Spotted Sweetlips requires an aquarium capacity of at least 1893 L (500 gal) to accommodate its potential adult size of up to 71.1 cm (28 in).

What do Spotted Sweetlips eat?

They are strict carnivores that require meaty foods such as squid, krill, and fish flesh. Juveniles often require live feeder shrimp or black worms to begin feeding.

Is the Spotted Sweetlips safe for reef aquariums?

No, it is not considered reef safe because growing and adult fish will consume crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and small fish.

Why do juvenile Spotted Sweetlips have an unusual swimming pattern?

Juveniles display a distinctive head-down, undulating swimming motion that mimics a toxic flatworm to deter potential predators.

Important Fulfillment Information

Fish and corals ship Monday through Thursday. Not all fish are sexed. If so it will specify.

Once your order ships, you will receive an email with your tracking number. Refunds are always issued for any fish not shipped.

PlantedPlus operates as a collective of trusted freshwater and saltwater importers. This policy allows us to prioritize animal welfare while maintaining reliable service for our hobbyists.

Shipping Cost Disclosure

To help keep ordering live fish online affordable, Planted Plus subsidizes a portion of shipping costs. Because these costs are incurred regardless of order completion, shipping charges are non-refundable.