The Harry hotlips (Plectorhinchus gibbosus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 75 cm.
Description
Harry hotlips is a large, dark grunt from the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea to Samoa and Japan. The species grows to about 75 cm and has a deep, uniformly dark grey to black body with conspicuously thick, swollen lips. It lives on coastal and reef bottoms and in river mouths and hunts small fish and invertebrates. Although a good food fish, large specimens can cause ciguatera poisoning. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Harry hotlips?
The Harry hotlips has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Harry hotlips live?
The Harry hotlips lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.
How big does the Harry hotlips get?
The Harry hotlips grows to a maximum of about 75 cm.
Is the Harry hotlips dangerous to humans?
The Harry hotlips is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.
Is the Harry hotlips edible?
Yes, the Harry hotlips is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Plectorhinchus
More from the family Haemulidae
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