Indigo Hamlet

About

The indigo hamlet (Hypoplectrus indigo) is one of the more visually distinctive members of the hamlet family, wearing deep blue and white bands that make it immediately recognizable among Caribbean reef fish. In the wild, it's found across a fairly focused range, the Bahamas, Haiti, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Florida, and parts of the continental western Caribbean, notably absent from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Lesser Antilles. It's a solitary species by nature, making its home on coral reefs where it hunts small prey. That carnivorous diet means tank mates need to be large enough that they don't look like a meal, but beyond that size consideration, this fish generally gets along well with others and isn't known for aggression toward species it can't swallow. For a reef carnivore, it's a reasonably forgiving choice, which is why it tends to appeal to keepers who are still building experience with saltwater systems. Adults reach a modest size that suits a mid-sized tank, and the species is reported to be quite long-lived under good conditions. Potentially 15 to 20 years, which is worth keeping in mind when you bring one home.