Florida hamlet
📖 Overview
Florida hamlet (Hypoplectrus floridae), first described by Victor, 2012 is a small fish in the family Serranidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 10.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 1 to 10 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, kept in the aquarium hobby, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Serranidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7. This species has the usual color and patterns of the brown Barred Hamlet but with several is distinguishing features: a pair of dark rounded spots at the base of the caudal fin found above and below the midline, usually symmetrical, present on all stages, including large adults; a break in the narrow mid-body bar (the fourth bar, after the wide mid-body bar) just above the lateral line, usually associated with well-delineated and unbroken bars to each side; usually a short rearward spur at the top of the last body bar (the fifth bar, forward of the caudal-peduncle bar), usually outlining a light wedge just below the base of the last dorsal-fin rays; some characters not usual on Caribbean Barred Hamlets, but typically associated with this species and H. ecosur include the bar under the eye being orange, even when the body bars are brown, and a dusky pelvic fin .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Florida hamlet is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 10 m. Tropical South Florida.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Hypoplectrus Floridae is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Florida hamlet is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Florida hamlet has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (lean white fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Florida hamlet.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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