Hypoplectrus guttavarius

Datasheet

General DescriptionThe Shy hamlet, scientifically known as Hypoplectrus guttavarius, belongs to the Serranidae family. It is a colorful and relatively small predatory fish species that thrives in tank environments. While these fish are similar in appearance, with variations in coloration and habitat, they are generally well-suited for aquarium life. Shy hamlets have a diet that includes small fish and crustaceans, but they do not pose a threat to other tank inhabitants. They are considered fairly hardy and easy to care for, though they may struggle to adjust to tank life if not introduced when young.

Aquarium SuitabilitySuitable with care, Shy hamlets need to be handled delicately during transportation and acclimatization to a new aquarium setup. They are best kept in pairs when introduced simultaneously and require ample hiding spots, such as between live rocks, in the tank environment.

Care and HardinessShy hamlets are rated as hardy fish, acclimating best to aquarium conditions when introduced at a young age. They may lose coloration in captivity, which can be maintained by providing a diet rich in pigmented foods and high-quality varied nutrition. These fish should be fed once a day and do not demand live prey, thriving on a diet of frozen fish, crustaceans, and other similar foods.

Reef SuitabilityReef safe with caution, Shy hamlets can coexist in reef aquariums but may exhibit aggression towards similar species. They are generally peaceful but might pose a threat to small fish and crustaceans in a reef setting.

Aquarium SetupFor an optimal aquarium setup, Shy hamlets require a tank of at least 300 liters in capacity. The water conditions should be maintained at a temperature ranging from 22.2-25.6°C, a pH level of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness of 8-12. Providing hiding places, such as live rocks, is essential for these shy fish to feel secure.

BehaviourShy hamlets exhibit mostly peaceful behavior within the aquarium but may display aggression towards similar species. They are known to prefer hiding during the day and are more active at night when hunting for food.

Feeding and DietRecommended diet for Shy hamlets includes fish, larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, other invertebrates, and small crustaceans such as krill, mysis, and artemia. Providing a varied diet is crucial for their health and coloration maintenance.

DimorphismInformation on dimorphism is not provided.

Habitat and DistributionShy hamlets are native to the Western Central Atlantic region, specifically found in areas such as Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Florida (USA), Bahamas, Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, and Honduras. They typically inhabit reef environments in these regions.