Many-spotted Sweetlips

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Description

Also known as Grunts, Spotted Sweetlips, Spotted Sweetlip, Harlequin Sweetlips, Harlequin Sweetlip, Harlequin's Sweetlips, Harlequin Thicklip, Brownkelly Sweetlips, Brownie Sweetlips, Clown Sweetlips, Clown Grunt and Grunts Sweetlips.

Found singly and occasionally with others in caves, along inner reef drop-off's of coral reefs, lagoons and seaward reefs.
Juveniles found singly close to shelter, brown with large white blotches, they mimic the movement of a poisonous flatworm for defence against predators.
With age juveniles gain more spots and the spots reverse from white to black as they age.
They feed on fish and benthic crustaceans.
Length - 72cm
Depth - 1-30m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Sweetlips are usually found either singly or in groups hovering over the reef during the day. They are nocturnal predators feeding on fish and benthic crustaceans.
In some areas sweetlips are known as "Grunts" because they "grunt", the grunting sound is produced by their flat teeth plates rubbing together and this is amplified by their air bladders.
Sweetlips can be distinguished from other species by their very large rubbery lips.

Related creatures

Heads up! Many creatures change during their life. Juvenile fish become adults and some change shape or their colour. Some species change sex and others just get older. The following creature(s) are known relatives of the Many-spotted Sweetlips. Click the image(s) to explore further or hover over to get a better view!

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  Many-spotted Sweetlips (Juvenile)

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Fishy Stats

Length: 72cm
Depth: 1-30m
Found: Indo-Pacific
Eats: Fish and crustaceans
Family: Sweetlips
Species: Haemulidae

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