The Yellowbelly Hamlet – Hypoplectrus aberrans is a captivating and colorful species of fish belonging to the Serranidae family, commonly known as sea basses. This species is distinguished by its striking yellow coloration, which dominates the ventral region of its body, contrasting beautifully with the dark, reddish-brown hues of its dorsal and caudal regions. It is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 13.0 cm.
Description & Characteristics
The Hypoplectrus aberrans exhibits a vibrant color pattern, featuring a vivid yellow belly that gradually fades into a dark reddish-brown coloration on its dorsal and caudal fins. This striking contrast sets it apart from other members of the Hypoplectrus genus. Its body is elongated and compressed, typical of the Serranidae family.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Yellowbelly Hamlet – Hypoplectrus aberrans is a reef-associated fish, typically found in shallow, clear-water environments. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops, demonstrating a preference for areas with ample cover. This species is primarily found in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Bahamas to the Caribbean Sea. Their depth range extends from 3.0 to 15.0 meters, placing them in the epipelagic zone, the uppermost layer of the ocean where sunlight penetrates.
Taxonomy
The species Hypoplectrus aberrans belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. Teleostei is a vast infraclass of bony fish, containing over 20,000 species. Perciformes, encompassing over 10,000 species, is the largest order of fishes and includes a diverse array of fishes, such as perches, basses, and wrasses. The Serranidae family is a group of primarily marine fish, often referred to as sea basses, with diverse body shapes and color patterns.
Feeding
The Yellowbelly Hamlet – Hypoplectrus aberrans is a carnivorous fish, feeding primarily on a diet of crustaceans, invertebrates, and small fishes. They are opportunistic feeders, readily consuming various prey items within their reach. Some of their preferred food sources include rock shrimps and other shrimp species.
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