Blackspotted Rubberlip

Plectorhinchus gaterinus, commonly referred to as the blackspotted rubberlip or African grunt, is a marine ray-finned fish species belonging to the subfamily Plectorhinundefinede, one of two subfamilies within the family Haemulidae, also known as the grunts. It is predominantly found in the western 🌊 Indian Ocean.

Plectorhinchus gaterinus possesses fleshy lips, although they do not display a swollen appearance. The chin of this species contains six pores but lacks a median pit. Notably, its pelvic fins are longer than its pectoral fins. Its predominant coloration is a yellowish grey shade, complemented by a greenish back and yellowish belly. The body and fins are adorned with rows of dark grey or black-brown spots. Juveniles exhibit a light silver-grey coloration, coupled with yellow fins and 5 to 7 brown horizontal bands. As the fish reaches a standard length of 10 to 12 cm (3.9 to 4.7 in), these bands split into lines of spots. This species boasts a dorsal fin consisting of 13 spines and 19-20 soft rays, while the anal fin features 3 spines and 7 soft rays. Plectorhinchus gaterinus can reach a maximum total length of 50 cm (20 in), although 35 cm (14 in) is more commonly observed.

Plectorhinchus gaterinus is primarily distributed in the Western 🌊 Indian Ocean. Its range extends along the eastern coast of Africa from KwaZulu Natal, north into the 🌊 Red Sea as far as the Gulf of Aqaba. This species can also be found in the Sea of 🇴🇲 Oman, the Persian Gulf, and surrounding the islands of the 🇸🇨 Seychelles, 🇲🇺 Mauritius, 🇲🇬 Madagascar, Réunion, and Comoro Islands. While a juvenile was recovered from the gut of a European squid (Loligo vulgaris) in the Aegean Sea, indicating potential Lessepsian migration through the Suez Canal (🇪🇬 Egypt), this occurrence is considered unlikely.

Plectorhinchus gaterinus primarily inhabits coastal reefs, sand banks, and areas near estuaries at depths ranging from 5 to 55 m (16 to 180 ft). During the day, it is often found in sizeable aggregations below ledges or along reef slopes. Juveniles are frequently encountered in sea grass beds. The diet of this species predominantly consists of smaller fishes and crustaceans. A spawning aggregation was observed in the Persian Gulf off Kuwait. Plectorhinchus gaterinus is an oviparous species that spawns as distinct pairs.

The first formal description of Plectorhinchus gaterinus occurred in 1775 when it was classified as Sciaena gaterina by Danish zoologist Johan Christian Fabricius. While Fishbase credits Peter Forskål with the description, the Catalog of Fishes suggests that Forskål published Fabricius's description posthumously in Descriptiones animalium. This publication, in turn, was released after Forskål's death by Carsten Niebuhr. The specific name "gaterinus" is derived from the local Arabic name for this species on the 🌊 Red Sea coast of 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, "gaterin."

Plectorhinchus gaterinus is commercially fished using handlines and gill nets throughout its range. The catch is typically sold fresh. Unfortunately, catch statistics for this species are not reported. The flesh of Plectorhinchus gaterinus is not highly regarded due to its iodoform taste. Juveniles are occasionally captured for the aquarium trade.