Appearance and lifestyle:
Dusky rubberlips (Plectorhinchus sordidus) are oblong fish with pale grey-brown bodies that are darker on top. They have thick lips that become fleshier with age, their name is derived from their thick rubbery lips.
Habitat:
Dusky rubberlips inhabit tropical rocky reefs of the African east coast, from Port Alfred to Kenya, and India to a depth of 80m.
Diet:
These fish are omnivores that feed on bottom-dwelling invertebrates, small fish and seaweed. Juveniles tend to be more herbivorous than adults. Juvenile rubberfish commonly congregate around floating seaweed in shallow waters. They received their name because of their thick rubbery lips.
Threats:
They are not considered endangered but face the dangers of overfishing.
Also known as dusky sweetlips and donker rubberlip.
Grows up to 10kg and 85cm.