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🌊 Marine 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Dotted sweetlips

Plectorhinchus pica Cuvier, 1828
Max Length
84 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.9
Depth
3–50 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
50.00/100
Typical Length
70 cm
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

A solitary species found in lagoon and seaward reefs. Adults usually under coral heads or in caves, while juveniles are found in shallow lagoons. Feeds on crustaceans and mollusks. Generally marketed fresh .

Scientific Name
Plectorhinchus pica
Authority
Cuvier, 1828
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Max Length
84 cm
Depth Range
3–50 m
Latitude
32°S – 32°N
Trophic Level
3.9
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
50.00/100
Migration
Non-migratory
Water Temp
19–30 °C
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 12 - 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 20; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8. : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Dotted sweetlips is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 3 - 50 m . Tropical; 19°C - 30°C ; 32°N - 32°S north to Japan and south to Lord Howe and Rapa Islands.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Migration
Non-migratory
Trophic Level
3.9±0.61
🧍 Solitary
Food Items

crustaceans and mollusks

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01148 × L3.03 (TL)
Max TL
84cm
Dorsal Spines
13
Dorsal Rays
19
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
8

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
19–30°C
Salinity Range
30–40ppt

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
50.00/100
Moderate-High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.9
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Latitude Range
32°N – 32°S
Described By
Cuvier, 1828

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

⚡ Nutrition

Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central

Nutrient Amount
Protein 19.6 g
Omega-3 (total) 123 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Dotted sweetlips has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🔬 Full Nutritional Profile

Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)

Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg

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