Plectorhinchus vittatus

Family: Haemulidae

Common Name: Indian Ocean oriental sweetlips / Oriental sweetlips 

Scientific Name : Plectorhinchus vittatus

Maximum length : 60cm

Alternating black and white stripes (black stripes generally wider, at least on dorsal half of body), yellowish snout and forehead, and yellow fins with black spots on dorsal, anal and caudal fins. Subadult similar, but stronger yellow on head, and fins generally have solid black bands rather than spots (these gradually break up to form spots with increased growth). Juvenile with yellowish head and irregular pattern of broad black stripes on body and fins (fins lack bright yellow of adult and subadult stages).

Inhabits coral reefs and inshore rocky reefs in 2 to 25 m. Generally nocturnal, but frequently seen resting during the day. Juveniles solitary, inhabits clear shallow protected lagoon; adults may be solitary or occur in aggregations.

Recorded from Raja Ampat Islands, Bali Strait to Timor Sea, Maumere Bay, Komodo, Pulau Seribu, Togean and Banggai Islands and Pulau Weh, Flores; with an Indonesian distribution from Papua to Sumatra.

Photo 1 : Photo courtesy Benjamin Naden
Photo 2 : Photo courtesy Ülar Tikk
Photo 3 : Photo courtesy Andy Holland

Reference : - http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=360&id=25706
- Allen, G R, Erdmannn, M V., 2012. Reef Fishes of the East Indies : Volume II. Singapore : Tropical Reef Research