Barred Hamlet

The Barred Hamlet is the most commonly encountered member of the Hypoplectrus hamlet complex, a group of closely related Caribbean reef fish that are a subject of ongoing scientific debate regarding their species status. The Barred Hamlet displays a warm golden-yellow to tan body marked with several prominent dark brown to black vertical bars, with the most distinctive bar running through the eye. The overall effect is an attractive, understated coloration that provides effective camouflage among reef structures and gorgonians.

In the wild, Hypoplectrus puella is found throughout the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, from southern Florida and the Bahamas to Belize and the Lesser Antilles. It inhabits coral reefs at depths typically ranging from 3 to 25 meters, where it is a solitary, territorial predator that feeds on small crustaceans, worms, and tiny fish. Hamlets are one of the few vertebrate groups known to be simultaneous hermaphrodites, with each individual possessing both functional male and female reproductive organs and engaging in reciprocal egg-trading during spawning events at dusk.

In the aquarium, the Barred Hamlet is a moderately challenging but rewarding species that combines predatory behavior with a manageable 5-inch adult size. It requires a tank of at least 30 gallons with plenty of live rock arranged to create hiding spots and territorial boundaries. While it is relatively hardy once acclimated, it can be shy initially and may require target feeding until it gains confidence. Its small mouth limits it to consuming only very small fish and shrimp, making it compatible with a wider range of tankmates than many other predatory species.