Harlequin Sweetlips

The harlequin sweetlips is instantly recognisable by its bold pattern of dark spots and stripes overlaid on a pale body, giving it a theatrical, almost painted appearance. Juveniles display dramatic white and black banding that fades as they mature into the spotted adult livery. Found on coral and rocky reefs across Indo-Pacific waters, they often hover near crevices or under overhangs during the day, becoming more active at dusk. Their thickened lips are perfectly adapted for crunching small crustaceans and molluscs on the reef floor.