Harlequin sweetlips (Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides).

These fascinating fish are a sand sifting species and so need to be kept on fine sand. They are one of the few fish species that will eat Asterina starfish. Although Sweetlips can grow very large (2ft plus), they grow very slowly, typically only a few inches a year, so eventual size is not an immediate concern. There is also always plenty of demand for adult Harlequin and Oriental sweetlips. Reef safe with all corals generally, although corals on the sandbed may occasionally get sand on them. Small Sweetlips get on well with most other medium reef fishes, although they may sometimes be bullied by Clownfish that mistake them for a rival Clownfish. As they grow larger they need to be housed with fish large enough to not be swallowed whole. Safe with most mobile inverts, but, may eat shrimps etc as they get larger. Ensure they are well fed, and maintain a chunky appearance. Avoid rapid salinity swings.

SIZE

Shipped at a wide variety of sizes. Will often reach 12”+ in captivity, sometimes much more. If fed properly often capable of very fast growth. May reach 24”+ in the wild, but, this takes many years.

COMPATIBILITY

Reef safe with all corals generally, although corals on the sandbed may occasionally get sand on them. Small Sweetlips get on well with most other medium reef fishes, although they may sometimes be bullied by Clownfish that mistake them for a rival Clownfish. As they grow larger they need to be housed with fish large enough to not be swallowed whole. Safe with most mobile inverts, but, may eat shrimps etc as they get larger.

SIZE WARNING! THIS FISH CAN GROW EXTREMELY LARGE, AND MAY DO SO VERY QUICKLY!

All fish with a large potential size may need special care, and may require a tank set up in a particular way to suit their specific needs. Large fish need a lot of space, even as juveniles they may need large tanks to get enough exercise to develop properly. Large fish may view smaller tankmates as food. Large fish may sometimes damage equipment and bite through power cables. Also bear in mind that large fish can eat a lot of food. It’s not unusual for 1 large fish to eat several packs of frozen food a day, which can be expensive. Large fish can be difficult to rehome, so do not purchase them unless you already have the facilities to house them at a larger size.

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