Shy Hamlet (Hypoplectrus guttavarius)
Fish in the family Serranidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Small hamlet with dark body coloration and white or pale spots/mottling throughout. Shy and cryptic, with a compressed body shape typical of serranids; named for its reclusive behavior.
Diet and feeding
Primarily feeds on small crustaceans and larval fishes in the wild. In captivity, offer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and small marine flake foods; may require live food initially to trigger feeding response.
Difficulty and care for the Shy 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 through the Caribbean to South America, including Gulf of Mexico.
Keeper notes
Very common Caribbean reef fish. Safe with corals but may eat shrimp. Peaceful but predatory.
Log Shy 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 Shy Hamlet alongside everything else in your reef.
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