Hypoplectrus nigricans

Common Name

Black Hamlet

Year Described

Poey, 1852

Identification

Dorsal Fin: X, 14-15
Anal Fin: III, 7
Pectoral Fin: 13-14
Pelvic Fin: I, 5
Lateral Line: 48-53
Gill Rakers: 7 (upper), 13-14 (lower) on first arch, 18-21 total

Color

Variable from uniform dark brown to yellowish brown anteriorly with almost black fins. There is often a bluish cast on the body and fins, especially the pelvic fins, anal fin, and lower head. The pectoral fin rays vary from yellow to black. The tail is always dark.

References

McEachran, J.D. and J.D. Fechhelm. 2005. Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico. Volume 2: Scorpaeniformes to Tetraodontiformes. University of Texas Press, Austin. i-viii +1-1004.