Hypoplectrus indigo

Datasheet

General Description
The Indigo Hamlet, scientifically known as Hypoplectrus indigo, falls under the Serranidae family, displaying vibrant colors and a predatory nature. These fish are relatively small in size, reaching up to 14.0cm, and are suited for life in aquariums.

Aquarium Suitability
Indigo Hamlets are considered suitable for aquariums but require careful consideration due to their predatory behavior towards small fish and crustaceans. They can be housed with other animals in the aquarium but should be kept well-fed to prevent any aggression.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness
This species is categorized as hardy, with a preference for stable tank conditions. Indigo Hamlets can be sensitive during transportation and acclimatization, so introducing them while young is recommended. They thrive best when provided with good hiding spots like live rocks and need to be fed a varied diet that includes frozen fish and crustaceans.

Reef Suitability
Indigo Hamlets are deemed reef-safe with caution, as they may exhibit aggressive behavior towards similar species in a reef setting.

Aquarium Setup
Setting up an aquarium for Indigo Hamlets involves creating ample hiding places, such as live rocks, to cater to their need for shelter. The tank should have a capacity of at least 300 liters and be equipped with stable water conditions, including a pH of 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025.

Behaviour
These fish are mostly peaceful but can display aggression towards fish and crustaceans that are smaller in size. They might lose some of their vibrant colors in captivity, which can be mitigated by providing a diet rich in pigments and of high quality.

Feeding and Diet
Indigo Hamlets thrive on a diet consisting of fish, larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, other invertebrates, and small crustaceans such as krill, mysis, and artemia. They should be fed once a day to maintain their health and vitality.

Dimorphism
The species displays dimorphism, where male and female individuals may exhibit slight differences in coloration or size. Additionally, Indigo Hamlets can be bred in captivity, making them a potential option for aquarists looking for captive-bred specimens.

Habitat and Distribution
Indigo Hamlets are primarily found in the Western Central Atlantic region, including areas like Haiti, the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Florida, and the continental western Caribbean. They inhabit diverse marine habitats in these regions.