Plectorhinchus gaterinus (Forsskål, 1775).

Abstract

Plectorhinchus gaterinus or Blackspotted rubberlip known as Grunts, Black-spotted Grunt, Blackspotted Sweetlips, Spotted Grunt, Spotted Sweetlips. P. gaterinus is reef-associated and may also occur in sand banks and near estuaries. The Blackspotted Rubberlip occurs in coral and rocky areas, inhabiting depths between 3 m and 55 m. It found singly or in large groups in coastal waters and reef flats often sheltering during the day under ledges. In some areas sweetlips are known as "Grunts" because they "grunt", the grunting sound is produced by their flat teeth plates rubbing together and this is amplified by their air bladders. Sweetlips can be distinguished from other species by their very large rubbery lips. P. gaterinus commonly reaches a length of 30 cm, with a maximum size of 50 cm in males. Body of the adults is silvery with black spots and yellow lips and fins. The forehead of the head is gray. This species is oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding. Small juveniles show longitudinal black stripes.