---
title: Sordid Thicklip (Plectorinchus sordidus)
scientific_name: Plectorinchus sordidus
common_name: Sordid Thicklip
taxon: Grunts

published: 2024-11-13T12:05:10.166Z
updated: 2025-11-25T13:58:09.000Z
tags: Sordid Thicklip, Plectorinchus sordidus, Grunts, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/grunts/sordid-thicklip
---

# Sordid Thicklip (*Plectorinchus sordidus*)

**Taxon:** Grunts (*Haemulidae*)  


The Sordid Thicklip, also known as the Sordid Rubberlip (Plectorinchus sordidus), is a marine species prevalent in tropical reef-associated environments, exhibiting a depth distribution from 2 to 80 meters. This species reaches a maximum length of 60 cm and has been recorded to live up to 14 years.

Adult Sordid Thicklips are characterized by their dark grey coloration with distinct orange-red lips and opercle edges, and their fins exhibit a dark hue with a narrowly black membrane at the front of the dorsal fin. In contrast, juveniles display a more colorful appearance.

The species inhabits areas rich in rocks and corals and is also found in shallow, weedy regions. Analysis of stomach contents from specimens in Iraq has revealed a diet primarily consisting of benthic organisms, such as crustaceans. The species is typically observed either alone or in small groups, often in proximity to shelters.

Reproduction is oviparous, with individuals forming distinct pairs during the breeding season.

Geographically, the Sordid Thicklip is distributed across the Western Indian Ocean, including the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, the region up to Transkei in South Africa, as well as the Seychelles and Mauritius.

This species is commonly marketed in its fresh state.

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/grunts/sordid-thicklip)*
*Updated: November 25, 2025*