Common name: Indigo hamlet

General information

The Indigo Hamlet, Hypoplectrus indigo, is a strikingly colored fish that adds a vibrant touch to any saltwater aquarium. This species is part of the Serranidae family, which includes groupers and sea basses. The Indigo Hamlet is known for its unique coloration, featuring a deep blue to purple body with a series of vertical, lighter blue bars. Unlike many other marine fish, hamlets are not widely captive-bred, making them less common in the aquarium trade and often more sought after by experienced hobbyists.

Care

Indigo Hamlets require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting. They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of small fish, crustaceans, and various meaty foods. It's important to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition. These fish can be territorial, so it's essential to monitor their interactions with other tank inhabitants, especially smaller fish that could be seen as prey.

Reproduction

Hamlets are simultaneous hermaphrodites, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs at the same time. During spawning, two hamlets will pair up and take turns playing the roles of male and female. This unique reproductive strategy is quite fascinating and can be observed in a well-maintained aquarium environment, although breeding them in captivity is challenging.

Habitat

Indigo Hamlets are found in the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They prefer coral reefs and rocky substrates, often seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters. In the wild, they are solitary or found in pairs, especially during the breeding season.