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Fish With Big Lips: 10 Amazing Species You Can Keep as Pets

By:
| Updated: July 13, 2023
Koi fish with big lips

Have you ever wondered why some fish have big lips? No, it’s not because they use lip fillers or have a secret crush on Angelina Jolie. Fish with big lips are actually quite fascinating and attractive creatures that have evolved this feature for various reasons. Some fish use their big lips to forage for food in hard-to-reach places, such as cracks and crevices. Others use them to defend themselves from predators or to intimidate rivals. And some fish use them to attract mates or to show affection. Yes, fish can kiss too!

Fish with big lips come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. Some of them are carnivorous, while others are herbivorous or omnivorous. Some of them are peaceful, while others are aggressive or territorial. Some of them are easy to care for, while others require more attention and expertise. But one thing they all have in common is that they are amazing species that you can keep as pets in your aquarium.

In this article, we will introduce you to 10 of the most popular fish with big lips that you can keep as pets. We will tell you everything you need to know about their appearance, behavior, natural habitat, and care requirements. We will also give you some tips and facts that will help you enjoy these fish even more. So, if you are ready to pucker up and learn more about these fish with big lips, read on!

1. Piranha

Piranha Fish Lips
Piranha Photo: Pixabay

Scientific name: Serrasalmidae

Probably the most famous fish with big lips is the piranha, one of several related species in the Serrasalmidae family. Piranhas are tropical freshwater fish found in the Amazon and other rivers in South America. The name piranha comes from a combination of Tupi words, pira and nya, which, together, mean biting fish. The name is appropriate, as piranhas have formidable jaws of twenty or more sharp teeth. The jaw of the piranha is controlled by large muscles, enabling it to deliver a powerful bite.

In addition to its powerful jaw and teeth that have a strong bite force, the piranha has very large lips. The piranha has a reputation as a terrifying predator, because of its aggressive feeding habits and its enormous teeth. Two of the piranha species with particular reputations for aggressiveness are the black piranha, and the red-bellied piranha. It is a very popular aquarium fish, despite, or perhaps because of, its reputation. In an aquarium, some piranha species can grow up to a foot long.

Although the piranha is voracious in the wild, it does not often attack humans. However, it is still a dangerous fish that should be handled with caution and respect. If you want to keep piranhas as pets, you will need a large tank with plenty of hiding places and plants. You will also need a strong filter and heater to maintain the water quality and temperature. You will need to feed your piranhas a variety of meaty foods, such as live or frozen fish, shrimp, worms, insects, etc.

You should not keep piranhas with other fish, as they will likely eat them or injure them. You should also avoid putting your hands or fingers in the tank, as they might mistake them for food. Piranhas are not easy to breed in captivity, but some hobbyists have managed to do so by mimicking their natural conditions and providing them with suitable spawning sites.

Piranhas are not for everyone, but if you are looking for a challenging and exciting pet that will keep you on your toes, then these fish with big lips might be for you.

2. Pacu

Pacu fish
Pacu Fish Photo: Mark Newman/ Gettyimages

Scientific name: Piaractus brachypomus

Another commonly known fish with large lips is the pacu. Like the piranha, it is a member of the Serrasalmidae family. It is also native to tropical waters in South America. However, it has been introduced to other parts of the world, and in some places, like New Guinea, it has become a serious nuisance, and driven out local species of fish.

Although the pacu is related to the piranha, it is a vegetarian, eating plants that grow in rivers. The pacu has very large lips that help it crush and grind the plant matter that it eats. The pacu also has teeth that resemble human teeth, which can be quite creepy to look at. Some people have even mistaken pacu for piranha and have been scared by their appearance.

The pacu is not a suitable fish for small tanks, as it needs a lot of space to swim and grow. A tank of at least 200 gallons is recommended for a single pacu, and even larger tanks are needed for a group of pacu. The pacu also needs a lot of filtration and water changes to keep the water clean and oxygenated. The pacu prefers a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, a hardness of 5 to 19 dGH, and a temperature of 75 to 82°F.

The pacu is not very aggressive, but it can be territorial and nippy with other fish. It is best to keep pacu with other large and peaceful fish, such as catfish, plecos, or oscars. The pacu can also be kept in a species-only tank, as long as there are enough hiding places and plants to provide some privacy. The pacu is not easy to sex or breed in captivity, but some hobbyists have reported successful breeding by providing a large tank with soft water and plenty of plants.

The pacu is a fascinating fish with big lips that can be a rewarding pet for experienced aquarists who have the space and resources to care for it.

3. Humphead Wrasse

Humphead Wrasse Fish with big lips
Humphead Wrasse Photo: Pixabay

Scientific name: Cheilinus undulatus

The humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is a fish with truly gigantic lips. It is a saltwater fish found in coral reefs in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The humphead wrasse is also sometimes called the Napoleon wrasse or the Napoleon fish. The humphead wrasse can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 400 pounds.

The humphead wrasse has a thick body with a prominent hump on its head. It has large scales that are green, blue, or purple in color. It also has very large lips that protrude from its mouth. The humphead wrasse uses its big lips to suck out prey from crevices and holes in the reef. It feeds on mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms, and fish, including toxic ones like boxfish and crown-of-thorns starfish.

The humphead wrasse is a highly endangered species due to overfishing and habitat destruction. It is illegal to catch or trade this fish in many countries, but some poachers still target it for its meat and fins. The humphead wrasse is also very sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature, which makes it vulnerable to coral bleaching and climate change.

The humphead wrasse is not a suitable fish for home aquariums, as it needs a huge tank of several thousand gallons to thrive. It also needs pristine water conditions, live rock, sand substrate, and plenty of hiding places. It is very difficult to feed and care for this fish in captivity, as it has specific dietary and environmental needs. It is also very aggressive and territorial with other fish, especially of its own kind.

The humphead wrasse is a magnificent fish with big lips that should be admired in its natural habitat and protected from extinction.

4. Sweetlips Fish

Harlequin Sweetlips Fish big lips
Harlequin Sweetlips Fish Photo: ullstein bild/ Gettyimages

Scientific name: Plectorhinchus

Sweetlips fish are a group of fish that belong to the Plectorhinchus genus. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They are named for their large and fleshy lips that give them a cute and pouty appearance. They also have colorful and patterned bodies that make them stand out in the reef.

Sweetlips fish are carnivorous, feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and small fish. They use their big lips to suck out their prey from the sand or rocks. They are nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night than during the day. They usually hide in caves or crevices during the day and come out to hunt at night.

Sweetlips fish can grow up to 30 inches long, depending on the species. Some of the most popular species of sweetlips fish include the harlequin sweetlips, the oriental sweetlips, and the painted sweetlips. Sweetlips fish are not very common in home aquariums, as they require a large tank of at least 100 gallons, with plenty of hiding places and live rock. They also need a good filtration system and regular water changes to keep the water quality high.

Sweetlips fish are not very aggressive, but they can be shy and timid with other fish. They are best kept with other peaceful and non-competitive fish, such as angelfish, butterflyfish, or tangs. They can also be kept in a species-only tank, as long as there is enough space for each fish. Sweetlips fish are not easy to feed in captivity, as they prefer live or frozen foods over pellets or flakes. They are also not easy to breed in captivity, as they have complex mating rituals and behaviors.

Sweetlips fish are beautiful and charming fish with big lips that can be a great addition to a large and well-maintained saltwater aquarium.

5. Queensland Grouper

Queensland Grouper
Queensland Grouper Photo: Marcos del Mazo/ Getty Images

Scientific name: Epinephelus lanceolatus

The Queensland grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) is a massive fish with big lips that is native to the Indo-Pacific region. It is also known as the giant grouper, the brindle bass, or the bumblebee grouper. The Queensland grouper can grow up to 9 feet long and weigh up to 900 pounds. It is one of the largest bony fish in the world.

The Queensland grouper has a thick body with a large mouth and lips. It has a brown or gray color with dark spots and blotches that resemble a bumblebee pattern. It also has a distinctive hump on its head that becomes more prominent as it ages. The Queensland grouper feeds on a variety of prey, such as fish, crustaceans, octopuses, turtles, sharks, and rays. It can swallow its prey whole with its powerful jaws and teeth.

The Queensland grouper is a critically endangered species due to overfishing and habitat loss. It is protected by law in many countries, and it is illegal to catch or trade this fish. The Queensland grouper is also very vulnerable to diseases and parasites, which can affect its health and survival. The Queensland grouper is not a suitable fish for home aquariums, as it needs an enormous tank of several thousand gallons to accommodate its size and growth. It also needs excellent water conditions, live rock, sand substrate, and plenty of food.

The Queensland grouper is an impressive fish with big lips that should be respected and conserved in its natural habitat.

6. Koi

Koi fish in pond
Koi Photo: Pixabay

Scientific name: Cyprinus rubrofuscus

Koi are a type of domesticated carp that are popular for their colorful and ornamental appearance. They are native to Asia, but have been bred and kept in many parts of the world. They are usually kept in outdoor ponds or large tanks, where they can grow up to 3 feet long and live up to 50 years.

Koi have a slender body with a large mouth and lips. They have a variety of colors and patterns, such as white, black, red, yellow, blue, or orange. Some of the most common types of koi include the Kohaku, the Sanke, the Showa, and the Ogon. Koi are also known for their intelligence and personality, as they can recognize their owners and respond to feeding cues.

Koi are omnivorous, meaning they can eat both plant and animal matter. They can be fed with pellets, flakes, or live or frozen foods, such as worms, shrimp, or insects. They also need some vegetable matter, such as lettuce, spinach, or algae. Koi need a lot of oxygen in the water, so they need a good filtration system and aeration device. They also need a pH of 7 to 8.5, a hardness of 3 to 12 dGH, and a temperature of 65 to 75°F.

Koi are not very aggressive, but they can be territorial and competitive with other fish. They are best kept with other koi or other peaceful and compatible fish, such as goldfish, minnows, or danios. Koi can also be kept in a species-only pond or tank, as long as there is enough space for each fish. Koi are easy to breed in captivity, as they will spawn naturally when the water temperature rises in spring or summer. The female koi will lay thousands of eggs on plants or rocks, which will hatch in a few days.

Koi are beautiful and graceful fish with big lips that can be a joy to watch and interact with.

7. Carp

Carp Fish
Carp Photo: PIxabay

Scientific name: Cyprinus carpio

Carp are a type of freshwater fish that belong to the same family as koi. They are native to Europe and Asia, but have been introduced to many other regions of the world. They are considered invasive in some places, as they can outcompete and damage native fish populations and ecosystems. They are also popular for sport fishing and aquaculture.

Carp have a robust body with a large mouth and lips. They have a brown or green color with dark spots or scales. They can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh up to 80 pounds. Carp are very adaptable and hardy fish that can survive in various water conditions and temperatures. They can also tolerate low oxygen levels and high levels of pollution.

Carp are omnivorous, meaning they can eat both plant and animal matter. They feed on algae, plants, insects, worms, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish eggs. They use their big lips to suck up food from the bottom or the surface of the water. They can also filter feed by sifting through the water with their gills.

Carp are not very aggressive, but they can be territorial and nippy with other fish. They are best kept with other large and peaceful fish, such as catfish, bream, or tench. They can also be kept in a species-only pond or tank, as long as there is enough space for each fish. Carp are easy to breed in captivity, as they will spawn naturally when the water temperature rises in spring or summer. The female carp will lay thousands of eggs on plants or rocks, which will hatch in a few days.

Carp are resilient and prolific fish with big lips that can be fun to catch and eat.

8. Humphead Cichlid

Humphead Cichlid
Humphead Cichlid Photo: Auscape / Gettyimages

Scientific name: Cyphotilapia frontosa

The humphead cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa) is a fish with big lips that is native to Lake Tanganyika in Africa. It is also known as the frontosa cichlid or the Burundi frontosa. The humphead cichlid can grow up to 14 inches long and has a lifespan of up to 25 years.

The humphead cichlid has a deep body with a large mouth and lips. It has a blue or gray color with six or seven black vertical stripes. It also has a prominent hump on its forehead that becomes more pronounced as it matures. The humphead cichlid feeds on smaller fish, crustaceans, and worms. It uses its big lips to suck in its prey and crush it with its pharyngeal teeth.

The humphead cichlid is a popular fish for home aquariums, as it is relatively peaceful and easy to care for. It needs a large tank of at least 100 gallons, with plenty of rocks, caves, and plants. It also needs a good filtration system and regular water changes to keep the water quality high. It prefers a pH of 7.8 to 9, a hardness of 10 to 20 dGH, and a temperature of 72 to 82°F.

The humphead cichlid is not very aggressive, but it can be territorial and dominant with other fish. It is best kept with other large and peaceful fish, such as catfish, plecos, or other cichlids. It can also be kept in a species-only tank, as long as there is enough space for each fish. The humphead cichlid is easy to sex and breed in captivity, as the males have larger humps and brighter colors than the females. The female humphead cichlid will lay up to 50 eggs in a cave or crevice, which she will then carry in her mouth until they hatch.

The humphead cichlid is an impressive fish with big lips that can be a great pet for experienced aquarists who have the space and resources to care for it.

9. Flowerhorn Fish

Flowerhorn Fish
Flowerhorn Fish Photo: Pixabay

Scientific name: Paraneetroplus synspilus

The flowerhorn fish (Paraneetroplus synspilus) is a fish with big lips that is a hybrid of various cichlids from Central America. It was created by breeders in Asia in the 1990s and has become very popular for its colorful and ornamental appearance. The flowerhorn fish can grow up to 16 inches long and has a lifespan of up to 12 years.

The flowerhorn fish has a thick body with a large mouth and lips. It has a variety of colors and patterns, such as red, yellow, blue, or black. It also has a distinctive hump on its head that is called a kok or nuchal hump. The flowerhorn fish feeds on pellets, flakes, or live or frozen foods, such as worms, shrimp, or insects. It also needs some vegetable matter, such as lettuce, spinach, or algae.

The flowerhorn fish is not a suitable fish for beginners, as it needs a lot of care and attention. It needs a large tank of at least 75 gallons, with plenty of rocks, caves, and plants. It also needs a good filtration system and regular water changes to keep the water quality high. It prefers a pH of 6 to 8, a hardness of 5 to 15 dGH, and a temperature of 75 to 85°F.

The flowerhorn fish is very aggressive and territorial with other fish. It is best kept alone in a species-only tank, as it will attack or kill any other fish in its vicinity. The flowerhorn fish is not easy to sex or breed in captivity, as it is a hybrid and may not be fertile. Some hobbyists have reported successful breeding by providing a large tank with soft water and plenty of plants.

The flowerhorn fish is an exotic and stunning fish with big lips that can be a rewarding pet for experienced aquarists who have the patience and dedication to care for it.

10. Triggerfish

Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish Photo: VW Pics / Gettyimages

Scientific name: Balistidae

Triggerfish are a group of fish that belong to the Balistidae family. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are named for their ability to lock their dorsal spine in an upright position, which they use as a defense mechanism against predators or rivals. Triggerfish can grow up to 3 feet long, depending on the species.

Triggerfish have a deep body with a large mouth and lips. They have a variety of colors and patterns, such as blue, yellow, green, or black. They also have strong teeth and jaws that can crush shells and corals. Triggerfish feed on crustaceans, mollusks, echinoderms, and fish. They use their big lips to blow water jets at their prey or to uncover hidden food.

Triggerfish are popular fish for home aquariums, as they are colorful and active. However, they are also very aggressive and territorial with other fish. They need a large tank of at least 75 gallons, with plenty of rocks, caves, and plants. They also need a good filtration system and regular water changes to keep the water quality high. They prefer a pH of 8 to 8.4, a hardness of 8 to 12 dKH, and a temperature of 72 to 78°F.

Triggerfish are not very compatible with other fish, as they will bite or chase them away. They are best kept alone in a species-only tank, or with other large and aggressive fish, such as lionfish, pufferfish, or tangs. They can also be kept in a reef tank, but they may nip at corals or invertebrates. Triggerfish are not easy to feed in captivity, as they prefer live or frozen foods over pellets or flakes. They are also not easy to breed in captivity, as they have complex mating rituals and behaviors.

Triggerfish are bold and beautiful fish with big lips that can be a challenge to keep and care for.

Conclusion

Fish with big lips are amazing creatures that have evolved this feature for various reasons. Some fish use their big lips to forage for food, some use them to defend themselves or intimidate others, and some use them to attract mates or show affection. Fish with big lips come in different shapes and sizes, and they can be found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats.

Some fish with big lips can be kept as pets in your aquarium, but they may require special care and attention. Some of them are peaceful and easy to care for, while others are aggressive and difficult to care for. Some of them are common and affordable, while others are rare and expensive.

If you are interested in keeping fish with big lips as pets, you should do your research and find out more about their appearance, behavior, natural habitat, and care requirements. You should also make sure you have the space and resources to provide them with a suitable environment and diet.

Fish with big lips are diverse and beautiful fish that can add personality and charm to any aquarium.

We hope you enjoyed this article about fish with big lips. If you did, please share it with your friends or leave us a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

Thank you for reading and happy fishkeeping!

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