Plectorhinchus vittatus
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
2-40 meters
The oriental sweetlips is one of Komodo's most distinctive and photogenic reef fish, instantly recognisable by its bold pattern of horizontal black and white stripes on the body and bright yellow fins. Adults reach up to 70 centimetres and are typically found resting under coral overhangs and in small caves during the day, as they are nocturnal feeders. But the real stars are the juveniles — tiny fish just a few centimetres long with a completely different appearance from the adults: brown with large white blotches, they perform an irresistible undulating dance, wriggling their bodies in an exaggerated swimming motion that is thought to mimic a toxic flatworm to deter predators. Watching a juvenile sweetlips dance is one of Komodo's most charming underwater sights. As they mature, the pattern gradually transitions through several intermediate stages before reaching the adult colouration. In Komodo, large adults are often found in groups under overhangs at popular reef sites, their thick lips (the source of their common name) giving them a permanently pouty expression.
Average Size
35-50cm
Size Range
5-70cm
Maximum Size
70cm
Nocturnal feeder consuming crustaceans, molluscs, and small fish. Uses its thick, fleshy lips to probe sandy and rubble substrates for hidden invertebrates during nighttime foraging.
The oriental sweetlips is one of Komodo's most distinctive and photogenic reef fish, instantly recognisable by its bold pattern of horizontal black and white stripes on the body and bright yellow fins. Adults reach up to 70 centimetres and are typically found resting under coral overhangs and in small caves during the day, as they are nocturnal feeders. But the real stars are the juveniles — tiny fish just a few centimetres long with a completely different appearance from the adults: brown with large white blotches, they perform an irresistible undulating dance, wriggling their bodies in an exaggerated swimming motion that is thought to mimic a toxic flatworm to deter predators. Watching a juvenile sweetlips dance is one of Komodo's most charming underwater sights. As they mature, the pattern gradually transitions through several intermediate stages before reaching the adult colouration. In Komodo, large adults are often found in groups under overhangs at popular reef sites, their thick lips (the source of their common name) giving them a permanently pouty expression.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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Juvenile sweetlips can be found at many reef sites, typically hiding near coral rubble or among soft coral branches. Cannibal Rock, Batu Bolong, and Pink Beach are good options. Ask your guide — they know where the juveniles tend to hang out.
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