scubaseason

Spotted Sweetlips

Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides

Sighting evidence at East Wall, Netrani Island

Spotted sweetlips aggregate in groups of 10 to 30 individuals at specific overhangs on East Wall, their distinctive white-and-brown spotted adult colouration contrasting with the darker wall behind them. Juvenile sweetlips at Netrani display a completely different colour pattern — large white spots on dark brown with an undulating swimming motion that mimics a toxic flatworm, providing predator protection — and can be found in shallower reef sections. Adults gather at the same overhangs day after day, making them one of the most reliably photographed species on the wall.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Spotted Sweetlips is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.