Black-spotted Rubberlip

A robust, deep-bodied sweetlip with a greyish body covered in bold black spots and characteristically thick rubbery lips. Common on reef structures of both UAE coasts. Juveniles display vivid black and white striped patterns that transform dramatically into the spotted adult colouration.

Species Stats

Diet

Crustaceans, molluscs, small fish

Habitat

Coral reefs and rocky areas

Local Name (Arabic)

هلالي

Fun Facts

• 1

  Juvenile colouration (bold stripes) looks entirely different from the spotted adult pattern.

• 2

  The thick rubbery lips are an adaptation for picking prey from crevices.

• 3

  Known to change sex from female to male as it grows.

Found In