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The Oriental Dogfish, also known as the Lined Sweetlips, Oriental Sweetlips, or Dogfish Orientalis, changes body color as it ages. As a juvenile, it will have a tan color ventrally and three tan "saddles" on the otherwise solid black dorsal half. As an adult, it will be silver-white with a yellow mouth and fins. Black dots and horizontal stripes, or a combination of both, will extend from head to tail, including the fins.

A 150 gallon or larger aquarium is required due to its size and eating habits. It grows at a rapid pace to almost three feet adult length, and a larger tank is needed to provide it with ample swimming room and plenty of hiding places. If placed in a reef aquarium, the Oriental Sweetlips will eat smaller crustaceans, smaller fireworms, serpent stars, small snails, and polychaete worms.

When first introduced to the aquarium, it requires live food such as freshwater ghost shrimp, marine shrimp, or black worms. Once it has acclimated, most marine carnivore preparations will be acceptable.