Description:

Dorsal spines: 14; Dorsal rays: 16.

Medium to large-sized haemulid. Lips fleshy but not swollen. Chin with 6 pores but no median pit. Scales ctenoid. Lateral line with 54 or 55 tubed scales. 

Colour: silvery-grey with 6 straight oblique narrow dark (rarely paler) lines, running upwards and backwards on flanks. Dark spots and streaks on side of head, chin pale. Margins of dorsal, tip of anal and pelvic fins black. 

Maturity: Unknown. Max length: about 45.0 cm TL.

Inhabits shallow, inshore waters on reefs in turbid waters as well as amongst mangroves, also seaward reef slopes (depth 3-30 m). Naturally rare, occurs alone or in small groups, often with snapper species. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding. 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations.

Only recorded in Seychelles, to date, from Aldabra. 
Photo courtesy and (c) 2023 Mona Abbas (@monaphotographer). Photograph taken off Polymnie island, Aldabra (29/12/23) at a depth of approximately 30 m. 

Al Abdali, F.S.H. et al. (2019). Plectorhinchus paulayi. The IUCN Red List 2019. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T123439665A123494872.en. (29/01/24).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2024). FishBase. Plectorhinchus paulayi. https://fishbase.mnhn.fr/summary/14301 (29/01/24). 
McKay, R.J. (1984). Haemulidae. In W. Fischer and G. Bianchi (eds.) FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean (Fishing Area 51). Vol. 2. FAO, Rome. pag. var.
Smith, J.L.B. & Smith, M.M. (1963). The Fishes of Seychelles. Department of Ichthyology. Rhodes University. Grahamstown. 

Nevill, J.E.G., Abbas, M. & Anhede, J. (2024). Plectorhinchus paulayi, Zebra sweetlip. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/plectorhinchus-paulayi-steindachner-1895/