Hypoplectrus guttavarius (Poey, 1852)
Shy hamlet
photo by Steele, M.A.

Family:  Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic: Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Florida (USA), Bahamas, Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles and Honduras.
Diagnosis:  Head yellow, body black to brown (extent of the yellow and black portions can vary). The yellow and black portions are divided by a diagonal line that extends from the nape posteriorly and ventrally to the anal fin. Face and all fins yellow. Pectoral fins pigmented. Head with iridescent blue lines (as in butter hamlet but the lines are fewer in number and more pronounced). Two black spots bordered by iridescent blue may be found on the snout in the region of the nares.
Biology:  A solitary species (Ref. 26340) inhabiting rocky or coral reefs, often near staghorn coral (Ref. 9710). Travels in pairs and remains close to the bottom (Ref. 26938).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 August 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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