Manylined Sweetlips

The Manylined Sweetlips is a striking member of the Haemulidae family endemic to the Western Indian Ocean, where it is found from the coast of East Africa through Madagascar, the Seychelles, and the Maldives. Adults display a distinctive pattern of numerous thin, dark horizontal lines running across a silvery-white to pale grey body, with the characteristic thick, fleshy lips that define the sweetlips group. As with other Plectorhinchus species, juveniles look markedly different from adults, featuring bold dark and white blotching that gradually transforms into the multi-lined adult pattern over the first few years of life.

In the wild, Plectorhinchus multivittatus frequents coral reef slopes and lagoons at depths of 3 to 30 meters, where small groups gather in caves and under ledges during the day. At night, individuals disperse to forage across the reef and adjacent sandy substrate, feeding on crustaceans, worms, and small invertebrates. This species can reach 20 inches in length, making it a sizable presence on the reef.

In the aquarium, the Manylined Sweetlips presents the same formidable challenges as other large sweetlips species. Imported specimens are extremely reluctant to accept prepared foods, and the weaning process can take weeks or months of patient work with live foods. Water quality must be pristine, and the fish is highly susceptible to stress-related diseases during acclimation. Its relative rarity in the aquarium trade, combined with its demanding care requirements and large adult size requiring at least 250 gallons, makes this a species recommended only for dedicated expert aquarists.