---
title: Minstrel Thicklip (Plectorhinchus schotaf)
scientific_name: Plectorhinchus schotaf
common_name: Minstrel Thicklip
taxon: Grunts
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-11-13T11:30:14.080Z
updated: 2026-08-08T21:29:12.769Z
tags: Minstrel Thicklip, Plectorhinchus schotaf, Grunts, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/grunts/minstrel-thicklip
---

# Minstrel Thicklip (*Plectorhinchus schotaf*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Grunts (*Haemulidae*)
- **Size:** 60 - 80 cm
- **Depth:** 1-80 m
- **Conservation status:** LC - Least Concern

The Minstrel Thicklip (Plectorhinchus schotaf) is a tropical marine species that is commonly associated with reefs and is adaptable to both marine and brackish environments. It can attain a maximum length of 80 cm, with a common length around 60 cm.

This fish is typically found in habitats with rocks and corals, ranging from the surf zone down to depths of 1 to 80 meters. Juvenile individuals are often found in tide pools. The Minstrel Thicklip is an oviparous species, exhibiting distinct pairing behavior during breeding periods.

Geographically, this species is predominantly located in the waters of Southeast Africa, extending to the Arabian Sea, including the regions of the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.

## Also known as

- **English:** minstrel sweetlips, Arabian Sweetlips, Grey Sweetlips
- **French:** Diagramme menestrel, Gaterin ménestrel
- **German:** Schotafs Süßlippe
- **Spanish:** Bakoko sombrío
- **Portuguese:** Peixe-arlequim-árabe
- **Czech:** chrochtal chmurný
- **Japanese:** エリアカコショウダイ, ナンヨウコタイ
- **Chinese:** 打鐵婆, 灰石鱸, 肖氏胡椒鯛
- **Russian:** Скальный гатерин
- **CA:** Bakoko de llavis gros
- **TGL:** Alatan

## Scientific synonyms

- *Diagramma durbanense* Gilchrist & Thompson, 1908
- *Diagramma griseum* Cuvier, 1830
- *Gaterin griseum* (Cuvier, 1830)
- *Gaterin schotaf* (Forsskål, 1775)
- *Plectorhinchus griseus* (Cuvier, 1830)
- *Plectorhincus schotof* (Forsskål, 1775)
- *Plectorhynchus schhotaf* (Forsskål, 1775)
- *Plectorhynchus schotaf* (Forsskål, 1775)
- *Sciaena schotaf* Forsskål, 1775

## Range

Djibouti, Federal Republic of Somalia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Red Sea, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/grunts/minstrel-thicklip)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*