Hypoplectrus unicolor (Walbaum, 1792)
Butter hamlet
Hypoplectrus unicolor
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Max. size:  12.7 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic: Florida (USA), Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean. Absent from the Gulf of Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Adults pale yellow; usually darker dorsally; grayish yellow that pales ventrally. Iridescent blue dorsal-ventral lines on head, sometimes extending to the leading edge of pelvic fins. One distinct blue line encircles the orbit and extends ventrally on each side of the fish. Two black pigment spots are sometimes found on the snout region of the nares. A large black saddle on caudal peduncle, extending below the lateral line on each side of the fish. Pelvic fins yellowish, pectorals clear.
Biology:  Mainly carnivorous (Ref. 13810). Has been reared in captivity (Ref. 35420).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 August 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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