Pacific beakfish
NamePacific beakfish
Scientific NamePlectorhinchus chaetodonoides
Common NamesHarlequin Sweetlips, Clown Sweetlips, Spotted Sweetlips, Many-spotted Sweetlips
FamilyHaemulidae
OriginIndo-Pacific, Western Pacific, Eastern Indian Ocean
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Leveladvanced
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)250
Max Size (Inches)28
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-78
pH Range8.1-8.4
Compatible SpeciesLarge Groupers, Snappers, Other large Sweetlips (in very large tanks), Moray Eels, Lionfish
Description
The Harlequin Sweetlips is a large, striking marine fish known for its dramatic color changes from juvenile to adult. Juveniles are black with large white spots and undulate their bodies to mimic toxic flatworms, while adults develop a more muted grey body with smaller black spots. They are predatory fish that require very large aquariums and are best suited for advanced aquarists.
