divepix - Tan Hamlet

Tan Hamlet

Aspect:	Uniform dark tan body, lighter towards the head and belly, no particular markings.
Population:	Uncommon, and in fact only recently formally described and named as "Hypoplectrus randallorum", as confirmed by WORMS (see here). Easily mistaken for a small snapper although both the almond-shaped eyes and blue ventral and anal fins eliminate the option. Until recently (2011) the only reference book that actually identified it as "Tan Hamlet" was Humann's Reef Fish Identification which gave the scientific name "Hypoplectrus sp.".
Notable feature:	Blue ventral and anal fins, with first spine of ventral fins lighter blue. Dark brown tail fin.
Environment:	Near bottom, close to rocks or coral boulders able to provide shelter.
Behaviour:	Not too shy if approached gently.