Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: No

General Description: The Indigo Hamlet is a true gem from the Caribbean Sea. Sporting a deep body, large mouth and forward-set eyes common of the serranids (family Serranidae), its coloration is a rich and deep blue with lighter blue to white vertical bands that are irregularly spaced along its body. As juveniles, Indigo hamlets consume various invertebrates while adults will feed on small fish. Because of this, tank mates need to be selected accordingly so as they do not become a meal for an Indigo hamlet. The temperament of an Indigo hamlet is otherwise somewhat shy and rather peaceful, making them a versatile addition to active fish only with live rock aquariums. An adult Indigo hamlet can reach a size of approximately 5″, making them a very manageable species. The availability of Indigo hamlets is infrequent, making them rare compared to other Hypoplectrus hamlet species in the aquarium trade. Interesting fact: The blue bars help conceal the Indigo hamlet as it moves through the water column, allowing it to get within striking range of its prey. Blue Reef Chromis (Chromis cyanea) make up a large portion of the diet of wild adult Indigo hamlets, so we do not recommend housing these two species together.

Diet Requirements: Indigo hamlets are carnivores. A diet consisting of various proteins and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, squid, mysis shrimp, chopped fish and other larger mixed saltwater preparations will maintain optimal health, immune function and coloration. While Indigo hamlets naturally prey on fish, we do not recommend giving “feeder fish” because they have little nutritional value.

Care Requirements: A minimum 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for an Indigo hamlet. Indigo hamlets require generous live rock in the aquarium, especially caves to hang out in. Over time, your Indigo hamlet may become bolder and spend more time in the open. Indigo hamlets rarely conflict with tank mates, but could be territorial about sharing a dwelling it has claimed. Hamlets will not bother coral in a reef aquarium, but are a threat to shrimp or fish that will fit in their mouths. An Indigo hamlet should not be kept with overly aggressive tank mates in order to thrive. Indigo hamlets are hermaphrodites, meaning that each individual has both male and female sex organs. If two Indigo hamlets are introduced into an aquarium together, with time they could become a bonded pair as one transitions to the opposite sex. Indigo hamlets have been successfuly kept with other hamlet species in Hypoplectrus, but a much larger aquarium is needed in order to accomodate them all. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 2” to 2-3/4”; Medium: 2-3/4” to 4”; Large: 4″ or larger.

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.