Sweetlips - Help -anyone have success??

[SJS]

On an impulse and without proper research - we purchased a sweetlips. While at the LFS, usually a reliable source of info, I talked to the husband about this guy, (I usually deal with wife...) and was told he'd get to 8" and was reef safe. My further research says he'll get to 2' 6" and is not a great reef fish.
Then there is the feeding problem. Research says they are very picky eaters, and need to start with saltwater feeder shrimp.
My dilema - I have the tank room for him even as he grows up, but am not sure this is the proper fish for my tank... I have the option of giving him to a large well kept commercial tank (in a local restaraunt) if he gets too much, but how do I keep him alive till he is to big???
I dont want to give him back to the store as he will end up with someone less informed as me and I feel some responsiblility for his well being....

Anyone have any success with these??

[AQTCJAK]

Which sweetlips is it

[lcstorc]

Cat has one and has not had trouble feeding it. The same thing happened to her though. They told her the fish would be great for a reef and didn't mention the size at all. She'll have to find another home when it gets bigger. If I remember correctly it is also one of those fish that completely change their appearance as they get to be an adult.

[SJS]

It is the same as Cat's - a clown or spotted, really cute now, it's in the 12 gallon till I can make sure I've got it eating then it can go in the 300 as long as it behaves. I read it will eat worms and small snails - hmmmph - I'd rather it not wipe out my sand bed and cleaner crew! This is what I get for impulse buying....

[kathywithbirds]

They ARE cute though!! Good luck with it Steph!

[SJS]

Here's a picture - not the greatest photo... They are cute - if only they'd stay that small.... (that's the last time I take Mark to the LFS!!!)

[dfurbee]

Steph, he is cute. Just hope he leaves you sand bed alone

[Varga]

The Harlequin Sweetlips, also known as the Clown Sweetlips, or Spotted Sweetlips, changes color as it matures. As a juvenile, it has a brown base covered with large white dots with darker margins. As an adult, the body color changes to white with black dots.

A 150 gallon or larger aquarium is required due to its size and eating habits. It grows at a rapid pace to almost 3 feet in length. It needs a larger tank to provide it with ample swimming room and plenty of hiding places. If placed in a reef aquarium, the Harlequin Sweetlips will eat smaller crustaceans, smaller fireworms, serpent stars, small snails, and polychaete worms.

When first introduced into the aquarium, it requires live food such as freshwater ghost shrimp, marine shrimp, or black worms. Once it has acclimated, most marine carnivore preparations will be acceptable.

[kathywithbirds]

Originally Posted by Varga

The Harlequin Sweetlips, also known as the Clown Sweetlips, or Spotted Sweetlips, changes color as it matures. As a juvenile, it has a brown base covered with large white dots with darker margins. As an adult, the body color changes to white with black dots.

Hey I got a Q: all the "BW groupers" or "dalmation groupers" you see in LFS, are some of them matured sweetlips?

[Varga]

oh are you asking me? I have no idea, I just google/copy/paste

[Triggerjay]

nope, different fish. Those are panther groupers. They get very large as well, and will eat anything alive that will fit into their HUGE mouth.

Jason

[reefmasta]

can agree to that one.. haha

[BoomerD]

From Bob Fenner's WetWebMedia:

"Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides Lacepede 1801, the Clown or Harlequin Sweetlips. Western Pacific. To twenty nine inches. One of the most commonly used species of the family... but rarely lives more than a few days in captivity."


This is yet another fish that is fairly common in the LFS yet should never have been taken from the ocean due to their dismal survival rate. (not to mention that they outgrow all but the largest tanks IF they do survive)

Let me recommend one of the best tools available for LFS shopping:
PocketExpert Guide: Marine Fishes by Scott W. Michael (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Books > Saltwater Books )

[SubRosa]

The difficulty of these fish is IME overstated.I find that they take freezedried and prepared foods readily,but I wouldn't consider one for a reef tank regardless of how large the tank is.And yes they grow very large very quickly!

John

[SJS]

Originally Posted by BoomerD

From Bob Fenner's WetWebMedia:

"Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides Lacepede 1801, the Clown or Harlequin Sweetlips. Western Pacific. To twenty nine inches. One of the most commonly used species of the family... but rarely lives more than a few days in captivity."


This is yet another fish that is fairly common in the LFS yet should never have been taken from the ocean due to their dismal survival rate. (not to mention that they outgrow all but the largest tanks IF they do survive)

Let me recommend one of the best tools available for LFS shopping:
PocketExpert Guide: Marine Fishes by Scott W. Michael (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Books > Saltwater Books )

I have that book and didn't see it in there - hmmm should have looked more carefully. On a brighter note, I have him eating fresh blood worms. I'm going to continue with the blood worms and add Formula 1. My plan (dare I have a plan in this hobby??!!) is to get him through his teens and get him to a good commercial tank. I will definitely research MUCH more carefully.