Indigo Hamlet

Indigo Hamlet: The Striped Caribbean Beauty

The Indigo Hamlet (Hypoplectrus indigo) is a striking and hardy marine fish belonging to the Grouper/Sea Bass family (Serranidae). It is highly prized in the aquarium trade for its dramatic and unique coloration, featuring a deep, rich blue to indigo body adorned with several bold, vertical electric blue or white bars. This beautiful pattern helps conceal it in its natural reef habitat.

Native to the Western Central Atlantic, specifically the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Florida Keys, the Indigo Hamlet is a manageable size for many home aquariums, typically reaching a maximum adult length of 5 to 6 inches (13-15 cm). Given its need for territory and swimming space, a minimum tank size of 50 to 75 gallons is recommended. The aquarium should include ample, stable live rock with numerous caves and crevices, as this fish is naturally shy and will establish a small territory to retreat to when threatened.

As with all Hamlets, the Indigo Hamlet is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female sex organs, and has been successfully bred in captivity. It is a long-lived species, often thriving for 15-20 years with proper care.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Indigo Hamlet is a dedicated Carnivore. In the wild, adults primarily feed on small fish (such as Blue Chromis) and crustaceans. In the aquarium, it should be fed a varied, protein-rich diet of frozen meaty foods, including enriched mysis shrimp, krill, brine shrimp, chopped clam, squid, and finely cut fish flesh. Feed once or twice daily. Due to its predatory nature, avoid using low-nutrition "feeder fish."
• Feeding: Hamlets are voracious eaters but may be shy initially. Ensure food reaches their hiding spots until they become comfortable feeding in the open.
• Reef Compatibility: It is generally considered Reef Safe With Caution. The Indigo Hamlet will not harm sessile invertebrates like corals or anemones. However, it is a known predator of small, ornamental crustaceans (shrimp and small crabs) and any fish small enough to fit in its surprisingly large mouth (generally less than 2 inches).
• Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive / Territorial. Hamlets are generally peaceful toward non-aggressive fish that are significantly larger than its mouth, but they can be territorial toward similar-sized species, especially other Hamlets. They should be kept singly unless the tank is very large (>100 gallons) and multiple specimens (or Hamlets of different species) are introduced simultaneously to prevent aggressive pairing conflicts.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Hypoplectrus indigo
• Primary Common Name: Indigo Hamlet
• Other Common Names: Blue Hamlet, Caribbean Hamlet
• Origin: Western Central Atlantic (Caribbean, Florida, Bahamas, Belize)
• Max Size: 5-6 inches (13-15 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial
• Diet: Carnivore (Small fish and crustaceans)
• Minimum Tank Size: 50-75 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Will eat small fish and ornamental shrimp/crabs)