Lemon Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus flavomaculatus)

Fish in the family Haemulidae. Moderate care. Not Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific namePlectorhinchus flavomaculatus

FamilyHaemulidae

Also known asGoldspotted Sweetlips

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size10 in

Minimum tank size125 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding schedule2-3 times daily

Appearance

Lemon Sweetlips are predominantly yellow with scattered white or cream spots covering the head, body, and fins. Juveniles display more prominent white spots on a yellow background, while adults develop a bolder yellow coloration with the characteristic spotted pattern.

Diet and feeding

Feed a varied diet of high-quality meaty foods including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and small pieces of fresh fish. Offer food 2–3 times daily in appropriately sized portions.

Difficulty and care for the Lemon Sweetlips

Moderate - Lemon Sweetlips requires standard marine aquarium maintenance and intermediate fish keeping skills.

Common health issues

Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Hole-in-the-head disease, Columnaris disease

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Philippines and the Great Barrier Reef.

Log Lemon Sweetlips in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Lemon Sweetlips alongside everything else in your reef.

Download Reef Trak See the full app