Harry hotlips – Plectorhinchus gibbosus

Harry hotlips, Black Sweetlip, Blubber-lip Bream, Brown Blubber-lips, Brown Sweet-lips, Dusky Sweetlips, Hairy Hotlips, Harry Hotlips, Rubber-lip Bream, Silver Grunt, Silver Javelin, Plectorhinchus gibbosus
Size: 75 cm
Depth: 8 - 25 m

American Samoa, Andaman and Nicobar, Australia, Cambodia, China, Christmas Island, Comoros, Egypt, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, India, Indonesia, Japan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mayotte, Micronesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Reunion Island, Samoa, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen

Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, South China Sea

The Black Sweetlip, Blubber-lip Bream, Brown Blubber-lips, Brown Sweet-lips, Dusky Sweetlips, Hairy Hotlips, Harry Hotlips, Rubber-lip Bream, Silver Grunt, Silver Javelin, scientifically known as Plectorhinchus gibbosus, is a fish species found in the Indo-Pacific region. This fish is distinguished by its unique physical characteristics and its diverse habitat preferences, showcasing its adaptability within marine environments.

Description & Characteristics

The Plectorhinchus gibbosus can grow to a maximum size of 75.0 cm. Its physical appearance is notable for its thick, rubbery lips, a feature that contributes to its various common names. This species exhibits a diverse color palette, ranging from brown to silvery hues, with some individuals even displaying darker patches. The fish’s body is elongated and compressed laterally, giving it a streamlined appearance.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Plectorhinchus gibbosus is found in a variety of marine environments, including estuaries, mangrove zones, and open seawater. These fish are typically found in depths ranging from 8.0 to 25.0 meters, demonstrating their adaptability to different water conditions. The species is often observed near river mouths, indicating its tolerance to brackish water. Its widespread distribution in the Indo-Pacific region highlights its ability to thrive in diverse marine ecosystems.

Taxonomy

The species Plectorhinchus gibbosus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Haemulidae. This classification places it within the group of bony fishes, more specifically the group of percomorph fishes with uncertain taxonomic placement. The Haemulidae family encompasses a range of fishes, including the grunts, which are characterized by their distinctive sounds produced by rubbing their teeth together.

Feeding

The Plectorhinchus gibbosus is an opportunistic omnivore, its diet primarily consisting of crustaceans, fish, and invertebrates. It actively seeks out its prey, including small fishes, shrimps, and other benthic organisms. This varied feeding behavior reflects its adaptability and ecological role within its respective marine habitats.

Associated Species

Image References

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