Oriental Sweetlips

The Oriental Sweetlips, Plectorhinchus vittatus, changes dramatically with age. A juvenile's irregular markings and wriggling swimming style develop into the striped body and spotted yellow fins of a very large adult. Plan for a fish around 60–75 cm long rather than a permanently small display animal.

This is a specialist choice with difficult feeding and major space demands. Some individuals refuse prepared foods or require suitable live prey for an extended period. Confirm the feeding response and have a sustainable food supply before purchase; persistent competition from faster fish can make the challenge worse.

A very large, mature aquarium needs spacious shelter and filtration suited to heavy feeding. Offer varied marine meaty foods in manageable portions. Small fish and mobile invertebrates may be eaten, so choose calm companions large enough to avoid becoming prey.