Plectorhinchus lessonii

Datasheet

General Description

Plectorhinchus Lessonii, commonly known as Lesson's thicklip or Striped sweetlips, belongs to the Haemulidae family, specifically under Plectorhinchus. These fish are native to the Western Pacific, ranging from Malaysia to Melanesia and north to Japan. They fall under the category of fish that are not commonly seen in private aquariums due to their demands and predatory nature.

Aquarium Suitability

Aquarists who wish to keep Lesson's thicklip should be prepared for the challenges it presents. This species is recommended for experienced hobbyists who are willing to provide extra care and attention. It demands a very large tank, with a minimum size of 1500 liters once fully grown. Due to their rapid growth rate, providing the correct nutrition can be tricky, making it hard to sustain the fish in captivity.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Lesson's thicklip is considered to have an average level of hardiness. They are docile and shy, requiring careful consideration when housed with more aggressive tank mates. These fish need frequent feeding, especially when first introduced to the aquarium. They have a voracious appetite and require a varied diet, including live food to thrive. Providing hiding places within live rocks is essential for their well-being.

Reef Suitability

Reef compatibility with Lesson's thicklip is possible but with caution. These fish can be a threat to small fish, shrimps, bivalves, worms, and snails commonly found in reef environments. Their behavior of searching through sand for food can disturb the water clarity and deplete natural food sources quickly in a reef tank.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for Lesson's thicklip requires ample space for swimming due to their active nature. It is essential to include plenty of hiding spots within the tank, such as among live rocks. Maintaining stable water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025 is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

Lesson's thicklip exhibits a docile temperament but can become a threat to smaller tank mates due to their predatory nature. They are known to scour the sand for food, disturbing detritus in the process. Additionally, these fish enjoy swimming and require a spacious environment to thrive.

Feeding and Diet

Their recommended diet includes fish, larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, other invertebrates, and small crustaceans such as krill, mysis, and artemia. To ensure success in keeping Lesson's thicklip, offering a varied and balanced diet with live food is crucial for their health and adaptation to aquarium life.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

Captive reproduction of Lesson's thicklip in aquarium settings is not commonly documented. However, these fish can exhibit variations in appearance as they mature, making it important for aquarists to monitor their growth and behavior closely.

Habitat and Distribution

Lesson's thicklip inhabits the waters of Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and the Central/West Pacific region. They are typically found in coral reef environments, preying on benthic crustaceans, worms, and small fish as part of their natural diet.