Blackspotted Rubberlip hovering by an array of corals

Blackspotted Rubberlip hovering by an array of corals

Blackspotted Sweetlips hovering along the reefs edge against a backdrop of many hued, multi textured corals. Its thick, plump lips give this fish the name of sweetlips, or rubberlips. Blackspotted Sweetlips are located in the western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, generally aggregating under the ledges of coastal reefs during the day, awaiting nightfall in order to hunt. Sweetlips are also known as Grunts because of the odd grunting sound they produce by rubbing their teeth plates together.

Individually crafted - we take pride in our unique collection of underwater photography. Our high quality photo prints featuring pictures of tropical fish are printed individually to order.

Blackspotted Rubberlip Facts
Other names: Black-spotted Grunt, Blackspotted Sweetlips, Spotted Grunt, Spotted Sweetlips
Scientific name: Plectorhinchus gaterinus
Family: Haemulidae (Grunts)
Max. size: 50 cm
Depth: 3 - 40 metres
Diet: Fish, benthic crustaceans
Habitat: Coastal reefs, sand banks, near estuaries
Distribution: Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea south to Natal, South Africa, Mauritius, Madagascar and Comoro Islands.