Description:

Dorsal spines: 12-14; Dorsal rays: 17-20; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 7-8.

Moderately full bodied haemulid. Body somewhat oblong tapering posteriorly to long caudal peduncle. Caudal fin rounded in juveniles, truncate in adults. Fleshy lips that get 
more so with age. Ctenoid scales make body rough to touch.

Colour. White body with 6 to 12 dark brown to black stripes that become narrower ventrally. Stripes join horizontally across the nape and snout with interspaces yellow, 
chin and throat also yellow. Eye yellow. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins yellow with black margins and black spots. Membranes on spinous dorsal fin black. Pectoral and pelvic 
fins yellow with reddish brown base.
 

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 72.0 cm SL, usually 45-50cm TL.

Inhabits coral reefs and inshore rocky reefs (depth 2-25m). Juveniles are solitary and inhabit clear, shallow sheltered lagoons. Adults solitary or in aggregations. 
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding.

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the hand line and trap fisheries, but is a relatively uncommon component of the catch.

Carpenter, K.E. et al. (2019). Plectorhinchus vittatus. The IUCN Red List 2019: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T82308861A82308865.en. (04/07/22).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Plectorhinchus-vittatus.html (30/05/19).
Nevill, J. (2013). A Species Identification Guide for Commonly Caught Fish in the Seychelles Near-Shore Artisanal Fishery. GOS/UNDP/GEF.
 

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Plectorhinchus vittatus, Indian Ocean oriental sweetlips. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/plectorhinchus-vittatus-linnaeus-1758/ (updated 04/07/22).