Yellow-lined Sweetlips

The Yellow-lined Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus lineatus), also known as the Golden-striped Sweetlips or Lined Sweetlips, is a stunning and recognizable marine fish found in coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific.

Body Color: Silvery-grey to white body with vivid horizontal yellow lines running from head to tail.

Fins: Yellowish with dark edges or spots.

Size: Can grow up to 80 cm (31 inches) in the wild.

Lips: Thick and fleshy, typically pale or yellowish in adults.

Juveniles: Look very different — usually darker with undulating or wavy patterns, mimicking toxic flatworms.Region: Indo-Pacific — from the Maldives to the Great Barrier Reef and as far as Tonga.

Environment: Found in coral reefs and lagoons, usually in schools over sandy bottoms or near drop-offs.

Depth: 1 to 40 meters

Diet
Carnivorous: Eats crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.

Forages in the sand or among corals, especially at dusk or night.

Behavior
Peaceful but somewhat shy and skittish.

Often seen in loose schools during the day and more active at night.

Juveniles may display mimicry to avoid predators.

 Care (for advanced hobbyists)
Tank size: At least 180 gallons (680 liters) due to adult size and swimming needs.

Tank setup: Reef rock, sandy substrate, caves or hiding spots.

Water conditions:

Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

pH: 8.1–8.4

Salinity: 1.020–1.025

Feeding: Meaty foods like shrimp, squid, clams, and enriched frozen foods.

Compatibility: Peaceful but not reef-safe — may eat invertebrates.

Fun Fact:
Juvenile Yellow-lined Sweetlips perform a unique undulating swimming motion that makes them resemble poisonous flatworms — a form of mimicry to avoid predators.