Common name: Black hamlet

Scientific name: Hypoplectrus nigricans (Poey, 1852)
Black Hamlet, Hypoplectrus nigricans

General information

The Black Hamlet (Hypoplectrus nigricans) is a species of fish belonging to the family Serranidae, commonly found in the tropical western Atlantic Ocean. This species is known for its unique coloration, typically a combination of black and yellow, which can vary significantly among individuals. Black Hamlets are sequential hermaphrodites, possessing the ability to change sex from female to male during their lifetime.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 7.8 to 8.4
Average size
12 cm (5″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prefers live rock for hiding
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp
Social
Pair Can be kept in pairs
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May be territorial
Captive bred
Yes Available as captive-bred

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Groupers
    Serranidae
  6. Genus
    Hamlet
    Hypoplectrus
  7. Species
    Black hamlet
    Hypoplectrus nigricans (Poey, 1852)
  8. Synonyms
    Plectropoma nigricans Poey, 1852

Care

Black Hamlets are moderately easy to care for in a home aquarium. They require a tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting. These fish are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of small fish, crustaceans, and various meaty foods. It's important to maintain high water quality and stable conditions to keep them healthy.

Reproduction

In the wild, Black Hamlets are known for their unique spawning behavior, where they engage in a mating dance with their partner before releasing eggs and sperm simultaneously. This fascinating behavior is rarely observed in home aquariums, but with the right conditions, it is possible to encourage breeding.

Habitat

Black Hamlets are typically found in coral reefs and rocky substrates in the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the northern coast of South America. They prefer shallow waters, usually not deeper than 30 meters.

Geographical distribution includes areas from Florida and the Bahamas to the northern coast of South America, including the Caribbean islands.