Hamlets
Hypoplectrus sp.Hamlets are ray finned sea bass
found mainly in coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea and
the Gulf of Mexico. Solitary hunters feeding on
smaller fish and invertibrates. The different
species of hamlet are so genetically similar that
research is being done.
https://insider.si.edu/2017/03/qa-oscar-puebla-understanding-speciation-coral-reef-hamlets/,
OR
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypoplectrus
Most often hamlets can be found below ten feet deep, but occasionally a bit shallower. Recognizable by their large ventral fins and their humped back. Their average length is 4 inches. Juveniles have 2 white spots in a black band just in front of their tail fin.
This Hamlet looks strange with pale markings. I've only seen one colored like this. Maybe a hybrid?
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