Painted Sweetlips

One of the most dramatically coloured reef fish in UAE waters. Juveniles are vivid black and white with irregular white patches and swim with exaggerated wriggling. Adults transition to a yellowish-grey body with fine spots. Found on reef structures across both UAE coasts.

Species Stats

Diet

Crustaceans, worms, small fish

Habitat

Coral and rocky reefs, sandy lagoon areas

Local Name (Arabic)

فرش محلى

Fun Facts

• 1

  Juvenile colouration is so different from adults that they were once classified as separate species.

• 2

  The dramatic wriggling swim of juveniles is thought to mimic poisonous flatworms.

• 3

  Among the most visually spectacular fish encountered by UAE divers on reefs.

Found In