Dogfish Orientalis
(Plectorhinchus lineatus)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
Care Level: Expert Only
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Lighting: Moderate
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 2′ 10″
Color Form: Black, Tan, White, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Fiji, Indo-Pacific, Maldives, Melanesia
Family: Haemulidae
Reproduction: Egg Layer
Swim Level: Bottom

The Dogfish Orientalis, also known as the Lined Sweetlips, Oriental Sweetlips, or Oriental Dogfish, changes body color as it ages. As a juvenile, it will have a tan color ventrally and three tan “saddles” on the otherwise solid black dorsal half. As an adult, it will be silver-white with a yellow mouth and fins. Black dots and horizontal stripes, or a combination of both, will extend from head to tail, including the fins.

A 150 gallon or larger aquarium is required due to its size and eating habits. It grows at a rapid pace to almost three feet adult length, and a larger tank is needed to provide it with ample swimming room and plenty of hiding places. If placed in a reef aquarium, the Dogfish Orientalis will eat smaller crustaceans, smaller fireworms, serpent stars, small snails, and polychaete worms.

When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. Once it has acclimated, most marine carnivore preparations will be acceptable.

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Spotted Sweetlips
(Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
Care Level: Expert Only
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 2′ 5″
Color Form: Black, Tan, White
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific, Melanesia
Family: Haemulidae

The Spotted Sweetlips, also known as the Clown Sweetlips or Harlequin Sweetlips, changes color as it matures. As a juvenile, it has a brown base covered with large white dots with darker margins. As an adult, the body color changes to white with black dots.

A 150 gallon or larger aquarium is required due to its size and eating habits. It grows at a rapid pace to almost 3 feet in length. It needs a larger tank to provide it with ample swimming room and plenty of hiding places. If placed in a reef aquarium, the Spotted Sweetlips will eat smaller crustaceans, smaller fireworms, serpent stars, small snails, and polychaete worms.

When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. Once it has acclimated, most marine carnivore preparations will be acceptable.

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Striped Sweetlips
(Plectorhinchus diagrammus)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 1′ 8″
Color Form: Tan, White, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Haemulidae

The Striped Sweetlips, also known as the Silver-banded Sweetlips, has a silver body with four dark brown horizontal stripes; the fins and the dorsal edge of the body are light yellow. Large dark spots also mark the fins.

A 150 gallon or larger aquarium is required due to its size and eating habits. Once acclimated, it grows at a rapid pace to almost 2 feet in length. It needs a larger tank to provide it with ample swimming room and plenty of hiding places. If placed in a reef aquarium, the Striped Sweetlips will eat smaller crustaceans, smaller fireworms, serpent stars, small snails, and polychaete worms.

When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat.

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