Indigo Hamlet – Hypoplectrus indigo

The Indigo Hamlet (Hypoplectrus indigo) is one of the most common hamlets for home aquariums. They are light blue in color with several darker blue bands and reach a moderate size of about 5.5 inches.

Hamlets are found throughout the western Atlantic and Caribbean and are related to basses, basslets and groupers. These fish are hardy with strong immune systems and all generally stay under around six inches, making them ideal for community and reef aquariums. They can be housed with fish around their own size but may prey on much smaller fish. They may also prey on some crustaceans like shrimp and crabs but are safe with other invertebrates like corals.

Hamlets are not picky eaters. They can be fed a large variety of meaty foods like shrimp, scallop, clam, krill, fish flesh and similar items. Some may even accept prepared foods like pellets or flakes (when smaller). Hamlets may lose some of their color if not given proper nutrition, a varied diet and ideal water conditions.