Plectorhinchus albovittatus

Datasheet

General Description:

The Two-striped sweetlips, scientifically known as Plectorhinchus albovittatus, is a member of the Haemulidae family, specifically under Plectorhinchus. These fish, native to the Indo-West Pacific region, boast a striking appearance that can differ significantly between their juvenile and adult stages.

Aquarium Suitability:

Considered suitable for aquariums with proper conditions, these fish are best housed in very large tanks when fully grown due to their rapid growth rate. They are known for their predatory nature, posing a threat to small fish, shrimps, bivalves, worms, and snails. Frequent feeding is essential, especially upon introduction to a new tank, and supplying live food can aid in successful acclimatization.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness:

Two-striped sweetlips have average hardiness and thrive in settings with ample space for swimming. They require a varied diet that includes fish, larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, and small crustaceans like krill and mysis. These fish feed by scouring through sand, which can result in cloudy water and the depletion of natural food sources in the substrate. Providing hiding spots, such as live rocks, is crucial for their well-being.

Reef Suitability:

Although classified as reef-safe with caution, these sweetlips exhibit aggressive behavior towards other species, necessitating careful consideration when introducing them to reef environments. They are best suited for setups that do not include members of the same species to prevent conflicts.

Aquarium Setup:

Setting up the aquarium for Two-striped sweetlips mandates a tank size of at least 3000 liters to accommodate their substantial growth. Maintaining water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12 is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour:

These sweetlips are known for their voracious appetite and continuous search for food within the substrate. Their feeding habits can result in the disturbance of detritus and sand, necessitating consistent monitoring of water clarity and quality.

Feeding and Diet:

To sustain these fish in captivity, it is imperative to offer them a diet rich in nutrients by providing various food sources multiple times a day. Supplying live food such as Mysis or small freshwater shrimp can aid in their transition to aquarium feeding.

Habitat and Distribution:

In the wild, Two-striped sweetlips are found in the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, the Red Sea, Indonesia, and various regions across the Pacific. Their distribution spans from the Red Sea and Madagascar to Fiji and Micronesia, typically inhabiting areas with adequate hiding spots and access to benthic crustaceans and worms for sustenance.