Hypoplectrus randallorum Lobel, 2011
Tan Hamlet
photo by Lobel, P.

Family:  Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Max. size:  8.06 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Western Caribbean from the West Indies to Central America.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-15; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7; Vertebrae: 23-24. The tan hamlet is distinguished from its congeners by coloration. Its body is uniformly light brown to tan colored. It possesses distinct nose spots, a spot at the base of the pectoral fin and a caudal peduncle spot (Ref. 88139).
Biology:  A 7.02 cm SL specimen of this species, collected 8 July 1990 on reefs off the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory in Jamaica, had a freshly consumed a cleaner goby, Elacatinus evelynae (16.5 mm SL) in its stomach content (Ref. 88139).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 August 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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