Who?
Family: Serranidae
Species: Hypoplectrus puella
Species ID: S.HP
Description: A small, disc-shaped fish with rounded fins, a sloping forehead and pointed snout (1). The body is covered in wide, brown bars (2) against a pale background, and the snout and eyes are adorned with bright blue lines and spots (3). Juveniles are cream coloured with characteristic black and white blotches at the base of the tail. Scientists believe that the different types of hamlets that exist are actually a single species exhibiting identical behaviours. This booklet will focus on the barred hamlet, which is arguably the most common, but the information contained here is also applicable to other hamlet types
Maximum Size: 15 cm (6 in)
Longevity: Unknown
Status: Not currently on the IUCN endangered species list Barred
Hamlets & People: Hamlets are relatively unimportant in commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade
Where?
Geographical Range: Barred hamlets are found throughout the Caribbean
Coral Reef Zone: Hamlets are found at moderate depths in the back reef and fore reef zones
Favourite Habitat: Hamlets prefer complex, rocky reef areas with plenty of hiding spots
Depth Range: 3–23 m (10–75 ft)
A Day in the Life
Dawn: Hamlets emerge form their shelters and make their way to feeding grounds
Day: Hamlets search for food and defend their territories against other hamlets
Dusk: Hamlets migrate to the reef slope or drop-off zone to spawn
Night: Hamlets seek shelter within the reef for the night
Who Eats Who
Hamlets in general are carnivores that specialize in feeding on crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp, and only occasionally eat fishes. Hamlets are consumed by a wide variety of coral reef predators, most notably grouper, snappers and jacks.
Scuba Diver & Snorkeler Best Practices
Master neutral buoyancy: Practice neutral buoyancy while maintaining a comfortable distance from the coral reef at all times; this is not just for the sake of the reef, but also for your own safety. Perfecting neutral buoyancy will make you more comfortable while diving, help maximize your air consumption and allows you to get the most from each and every dive.
