Blue Hamlet (Hypoplectrus gemma)

Indigo hamlet (Hypoplectrus indigo) inhabits coral reefs across the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas, and Florida Keys. Typically growing to 5 or 6 inches, they prey on small crabs, shrimp, and fish, but are only semi-aggressive and usually don’t bother fish larger than 2 inches.

In aquariums, Indigo Hamlets are versatile, suitable for both Coral Reef and FOWLR setups. They generally leave most tank mates and cleaning crew invertebrates alone, except for very small shrimp and crabs.

Indigo Hamlets thrive in a 70-gallon or larger tank to accommodate their swimming needs and biological load. They prefer a habitat with open swimming areas and live rock formations with caves and crevices. They establish territories and may show aggression towards small fish and invertebrates, especially if underfed.

In the wild, their diet consists mainly of small crustaceans and fish. In captivity, they should be fed a variety of meaty foods 2-3 times a day, including high-quality pellets, frozen carnivore formulas, mysis shrimp, clams, squid, and marine feeder fish. This diet ensures their nutritional needs are met.