Barred hamlets have a continuous dorsal fin that has ten spines
This beautiful tropical fish is called a barred hamlet. There are several other species of hamlet in the waters of the tropical western Atlantic, including the indigo hamlet, butter hamlet, shy hamlet, golden hamlet, yellowbelly hamlet, yellowtail hamlet, black hamlet, masked hamlet, blue hamlet, and tan hamlet. Of all of these hamlet species, the barred hamlet is the most common species seen in the Caribbean.
Barred Hamlets are typically three to four inches long, but can max out at around six inches in length. As the name implies they are known for the dark vertical bars that run along their sides. There can be as many as seven of these dark bars, which can vary in size and darkness. Barred hamlets have a psychedelic coloration. Their faces are painted with iridescent blue lines and dots. Their primary body color ranges from yellow, to brown, to white. They have a continuous dorsal fin that has ten spines and 14-17 soft rays. This dorsal fin can be tucked against its body or raised like a sail.
They are laterally compressed and very hydrodynamic. They inhabit shallow rocky reefs, which allow them an easy hiding place. Divers can observe these fish swimming along the bottom or darting through coral reefs. I’ve found them to be challenging to photograph if you approach them quickly or directly. To get close, you must approach them slowly. They are quick swimmers. If you startle them, you may not get a second chance for a photo. If you want your best chance at seeing one of these beautiful fish, they are most active during dawn and dusk. During the daytime, barred hamlets may be tucked away resting, so check the holes and crevices of the reef. This photograph was taken in Key Largo, Florida where barred hamlets are seen regularly.
There are roughly 1,700 islands that make up the Florida Keys. Of these, roughly 800 are considered, “keys.” The geological definition for key requires the land to be made of limestone. This limestone is from the ancient coral reef that existed here over 100,000 years ago.
They are most active during dawn and dusk
Did you know?
- Barred hamlets eat other fish and crustaceans.
- Barred hamlets are a part of the sea bass family. They are related to groupers and basses. Note how the barred hamlet has the distinct sea bass triangular shaped pupil.
- The Florida Keys houses the third largest barrier reef in the world!
- Key Largo is ~33 miles long.
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