Butter Hamlet (Hypoplectrus unicolor)
Fish in the family Serranidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Butter Hamlet is a small, stocky serranid with a golden-yellow to pale yellow body. It has a slightly compressed body shape typical of hamlets, with a rounded head and small mouth.
Diet and feeding
Feed a variety of meaty foods including small crustaceans (mysis shrimp, amphipods), high-quality frozen preparations, and occasionally small fish. Feed 1-2 times daily in appropriate portion sizes.
Difficulty and care for the Butter Hamlet
Moderate - Very common Caribbean reef fish. Safe with corals but may eat shrimp. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Parasitic infestations
Origin and habitat
Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas south through the Caribbean to northern South America.
Keeper notes
Very common Caribbean reef fish. Safe with corals but may eat shrimp. Peaceful but predatory.
Log Butter Hamlet in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Butter Hamlet alongside everything else in your reef.