Diagramma pictum can easily be distinguished from other sweetlips by its short first dorsal spine, with the second and third abruptly being the longest.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 90 cm
color
Adults light grey with scattered large blackish blotches on sides, white on belly. Juveniles with conspicuous alternating black and white stripes, and yellowish on head and belly. Stripes eventually break up into spots that disappear in adults.
This species is typically found in shallow coastal areas and coral reefs, reaching depths of up to 80 m. It is most commonly seen in silty areas, where it feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates and fish.
distinctive characters
This species has a dorsal fin with 9-10 spines and 17-20 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 7 rays, a pectoral fin with 16-17 rays, and a second dorsal spine that is much longer than the first. Additionally, there are 20 to 25 scales between the lateral line and the dorsal fin origin, and the scales are small and ctenoid. The mouth is small, and the lips are thick.