Grass Sweetlip illustration
Species

Grass Sweetlip

Lethrinus laticaudis
Also known as grass emperor · blue-lined emperor · blue-spotted emperor · brown morwong · brown sweetlip · coral bream · grey sweetlip · piggy
Tier 3Eating8/10medium tackleQLDWANT
39 waypoints35–60 cm (max 80 cm) typicalLast catch 2 mo ago

Regulations

QLD30 cm min · bag 5
StateSizeBag
QLD30 cm min5
Closed: Coral Reef Finfish closures around Nov-Dec new moons

Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.

Overview: about grass sweetlip

Tropical and subtropical reef fish of QLD and northern Australia, particularly common on inshore reefs and the GBR. Targeted with bait, soft plastics and small jigs over coral and rubble bottom. Reliable table fish and a popular target on Moreton Bay and reef trips north.

Biology: Grass Sweetlip size, diet & habitat

Habitat
Inshore, Reef
Typical size
35–60 cm (max 80 cm)
Weight
1–4 kg (max 8 kg)
Depth range
3–60 m
Diet
crabs, small fish, urchins, prawns
Most active
crepuscular
Global range
Indo-West Pacific tropics (multiple Lethrinus / Plectorhinchus spp.)

How to target: Grass Sweetlip angling strategies

Generally fished with medium tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.

  • squid or fresh prawn on a paternoster over coral edges and rubble in 10-30m
  • soft plastics worked along reef margins at dusk

Safety & handling

Ciguatera risk: lowAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.

Conservation

IUCN: Least Concern

Vernacular spans multiple species across NT/QLD/WA — flag for review.

Recent community catches: anglers who caught grass sweetlip

Cpt. Peepee
2 mo ago
at Caloundra 12 mile

Where to catch: grass sweetlip fishing spots in Australia

Queensland39

More information: grass sweetlip references & sources

Log catch