Species name: Plectorhinchus orientalis. Plectorhinchus vittatus is considered by most to be a synonym. Some authors separate the Indian Ocean and Pacific populations. They use P. vittatus for the Indian Ocean form and P. orientalis for the Pacific population.
Common names: Oriental sweetlips, Oriental Dogfish, Lined Sweetlips, Dogfish Orientalis
Family: Haemulidae
Order: Perciformes
Class: Actinopterygii
Maximum length: 33.85 in
Minimum tank size: 200 gallons
Hardiness: Difficult. Experts only.
Aggressiveness: Peaceful. Should be one of the first fish introduced.
Reef Compatibility: No. Will eat smaller crustaceans, small snails, serpent stars, smaller fireworms, smaller bristleworms, and polychaete worms. They are not a threat to corals or healthy clams.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Samoa, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia; Palau to eastern Caroline and Mariana Islands in Micronesia.
Diet: Carnivore. In the wild, they feed on crustaceans, mollusks and small fish they can swallow whole. The biggest drawbacks to keeping this species in captivity is getting it to feed. When first introduced into the aquarium, live food such as shrimp and black worms can be used to trigger feeding. Getting it to feed should be easier in tanks with no aggressive feeder. Once it has acclimated, it should accept most meaty preparation. Feed 2-3 times a day.

Additional information:
The Oriental sweetlips, also known as Oriental Dogfish, Lined Sweetlips or Dogfish Orientalis is native to the Indo-Pacific where it can be found at depths of 5 to 80 feet. Juveniles are found in clear sheltered areas and adults are found in clear lagoons, reef channels, reef faces and slopes. The Oriental sweetlips is usually solitary but is occasionally found in large groups

The Oriental sweetlips changes color as it matures.
Juveniles under about 5.1 inches are reddish brown overall with white circular areas.
As they grow, the body color changes to silver-white with black stripes and horizontal stripes running laterally across the body (from the head to the tail, including the fins). Yellow will be present on different parts of the head and body, making this fish a beauty specimen.

A 200 gallon or larger aquarium is required due to its size and eating habits. The tank must be large enough to provide it with ample swimming room and plenty of hiding places. The Oriental sweetlips is a peaceful fish that should be introduced first to the tank
Ideally, water temperature should be at 72-78ºF, specific gravity at 1.020-1.025, and pH at 8.1-8.4.

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Article written by www.aquariumslife.com
References: Fishbase, Coral Realm

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