Butter hamlet
📖 Overview
Butter hamlet (Hypoplectrus unicolor) is a ray-finned fish of the family Serranidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 12.7 cm. With a trophic level of 4, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
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.: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Butter hamlet is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Butter hamlet is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Butter hamlet is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated. Tropical; 32°N - 6°N, 99°W - 56°W Central Atlantic: Florida (USA), Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Butter hamlet 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
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 133 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Butter hamlet has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypoplectus unicolor | Walbaum | 1792 | Synonym |
| Perca unicolor | Walbaum | 1792 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 36 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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