Striped Sweetlips Fish

WYSIWYG - Approx. Size: 3.00-3.25 Inches

Grunts and Sweetlips are striking reef fish recognized for their bold patterns, thick lips, and distinctive body shapes. While juveniles often display vibrant colors and mesmerizing swimming patterns, adults typically develop more subdued but equally impressive markings. These fish are found throughout the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean, where they gather in loose schools along reef slopes and ledges. In aquariums, they require large, stable systems and are best suited for advanced aquarists due to their size, dietary needs, and sometimes delicate nature.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 180–300+ gallons depending on species

• Environment: Large open swimming areas with caves, ledges, and shaded retreats

• Flow: Moderate

• Lid: Strongly recommended — juveniles especially may spook and jump

These species thrive in spacious, well-oxygenated aquariums with mature rockwork and plenty of room to swim.

Natural Behavior

Grunts and Sweetlips are generally peaceful but can be shy, especially as juveniles. Many sweetlips exhibit a “fluttering” juvenile swimming motion that changes as they mature. Adults are calmer but can grow very large, making them ideal for showpiece displays. Grunts in particular may form small schools, adding natural movement and realism to a reef or FOWLR system.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous, requiring a varied diet of meaty foods:

• Frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp (juveniles)

• Chopped shrimp, clam, squid, and fish flesh (adults)

• High-quality marine carnivore pellets

• May require target-feeding when first introduced, as juveniles can be finicky eaters

Feed 2–3 times per day for juveniles, and 1–2 times daily for adults.

Tankmates & Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-peaceful

• Reef Safe: With caution — won’t nip corals, but may eat ornamental crustaceans and smaller fish

• Best With: Tangs, angels, wrasses, groupers, and other medium-to-large community fish

• Avoid: Aggressive tankmates that may outcompete them for food, or very small fish/invertebrates

Grunts and Sweetlips are stunning, graceful additions to large aquariums. Their juvenile-to-adult transformation is particularly captivating, though they demand ample space, excellent water quality, and a dedicated aquarist to thrive long-term.