Aquarium Livestock Pet Care Guides

Hamlets

Origin

Tropical Western Atlantic

Tank Temperature

75-82°F

pH

8.0-8.4

Specific Gravity

1.020-1.024

Feeding

Carnivorous; will eat smaller fish and crustaceans; may accept frozen foods.

Behavior

Generally peaceful; may be aggressive towards other hamlets or basses; Needs rocky tank with plenty of hiding places.

Compatibility

Coral Safe; Community Safe, with caution; not Invert Safe; best one per tank. Use caution when keeping with Batfish, Dartfish, Dragonettes, Hawkfish, Parrotfish, Puffers, and aggressive Wrasses, invertebrates, Anglers/Frogfish, Eels, Groupers, Lionfish/Scorpionfish, Seahorses, Pipefish, or Triggers.

Species Overview

Hamlets are rather uncommon in aquariums even though they are often strikingly beautiful and easy to maintain. Blue and Indigo hamlets are commonly offered in the aquarium trade, and both have brilliant blue coloration. These hardy fish are rather timid and will often hide in rocks and caves during the day.

Hamlets are from the Serranidae family and genus Hypoplectrus and are related to Groupers and Anthias. There are only 10 fish in the Hypoplectrus genus although some similar fish may also have "hamlet" as part of their common name (most notably the considerably larger Mutton Hamlet, Alphestes afer). They are from the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean; a contrast from many other aquarium fish that come from the Indo-Pacific region.

Hamlets are known to be aggressive towards other hamlets or basses, but are rarely aggressive towards other species. Occasionally, they are attacked by more belligerent fish like groupers and they are known to prey on smaller fish or on invertebrates like crabs and shrimp.

We always suggest that you do further research before adding a new pet to your tank. What we have provided for you are guidelines and suggestions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our fish room at 717-299-5691 ext. 1213 or marinebio@thatpetplace.com.

Recommended Items

Live Rock
Canister filters
Frozen Aquarium Food
Protein Skimmers

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