Author: (Thunberg, 1792)
FBname: Painted sweetlips
Comments: Typically found solitary or in groups, often in turbid water. on open muddy, sandy or silty substrates in protected bays or estuaries, around rock outcrops, wreckage and debris (Ref. 48635, 90102).  Also in shallow coastal areas and coral reefs (Ref. 30573).  Juveniles are found in weedy areas (Ref. 2799).  Feeds on benthic invertebrates and fishes (Ref. 30573).  Reportedly ciguatoxic in some areas (Ref. 2799).  Marketed fresh and frozen (Ref. 9987).