Dusk Dives: A Diver’s Guide into the Fascinating World of Hamlets

Some divers prefer dawn dives, while others prefer night dives. For me, dusk dives have always been my favorite. So much happens at dusk that I often have to decide on a specific goal for the dive: observing the beautiful courtship of hamlets mating, watching flounders spawn over sandy areas, or catching the peppermint basslets as they emerge for their cheek-to-cheek mating ritual as the sun sets. It’s all incredibly fascinating, but since these behaviors occur at different depths and in different parts of the reef, you need to choose which species to focus on for each dive.

Believe me, I’ve tried to observe multiple species during a single dive, but I’ve found that only with extreme luck would I be able to witness more than one species mating on the same dive.

My Love for Hamlets

The first time I picked up the REEF Fish ID book by Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach, I was captivated by the beautiful Golden Hamlet (Hypoplectrus gummigutta) featured on the book’s cover. From that moment, I made it my mission to find this stunning and vibrant fish during my travels through the Caribbean.

My first encounter with a hamlet was on a beautiful reef dive in St. Lucia. After learning more about their behavior, I set a new goal: to witness their fascinating courtship in action at dusk.

Hamlets at first glance

Allow me to introduce you to these small, colorful reef fish that are found only in the Tropical Western Atlantic. At first glance, they look more like members of the damselfish family than the typically more robust sea basses. However, on closer inspection, their 3-5 inch (7.6 - 12.7 cm) bodies, large mouths and triangular pupils verify their family status. They tend to prefer healthy complex reef structures and they don’t dart away when you approach them for a closer look.

What is fascinating about hamlets is that they have one of the most complex and captivating mating rituals in the animal kingdom. Unlike most marine fish, hamlets are simultaneous hermaphrodites, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. This allows them to switch between male and female roles during mating, maximizing their chances of successful reproduction.

The Courtship Dance

Hamlets are generally solitary during the day, defending small territories, but in the evening, they leave their area to seek out mates. When a pair of hamlets meets, they perform a courtship "dance," circling each other with graceful body movements. Unlike most reef fish that release eggs and sperm into the water in a single, quick event, hamlet pairs take their time, extending their courtship and exchanging reproductive roles each time they mate!

This allows each individual to contribute equally to reproduction and maximizes genetic diversity in their offspring.

Being at the Right Place and Time

Witnessing this stunning ritual firsthand requires being in the right place at just the right time, as hamlet mating occurs during specific windows. To catch a glimpse of hamlets during their mating dance, divers need patience, precise timing, and familiarity with the best dive sites. Observing their courtship up close is always a special experience.

Lessons From My Personal Experience

I prepared for this dive well in advance. Knowing where I had spotted hamlets during the day, I planned to return to the same area at dusk to find them again. To my surprise, at that time of day, I found two hamlets seemingly engaged in a playful chase, occasionally stopping to circle each other and pick food from the reef. I observed them for about 20 minutes until I noticed them rising off the reef, cupping each other closely. In the blink of an eye, they had spawned and returned to the reef, continuing their courtship dance. I always describe this moment as, “If you blink, you miss it!”

As the light dimmed further, it became challenging to keep track of them as they moved around the reef. However, they didn’t seem disturbed by my presence as long as I kept a respectful distance. After a few minutes, I noticed one of the hamlets turning pale and appearing to shudder. At first, I wasn’t sure what I was witnessing, but I continued to watch intently. Soon, in another cupping embrace, they rose above the reef and, in a split second, released their eggs and sperm into the water column. They repeated this ritual four to five more times until darkness fell, and they retreated into the reef for the night.

This encounter piqued my interest in understanding what was happening when they appeared to transition roles from male to female and how they communicated with each other. It was one of the most mesmerizing behaviors I had ever seen, and learning about their role-swapping mating strategy made it even more fascinating.

I started bringing other divers to witness this incredible display, delighted by the fact that it was almost guaranteed to see. It always happened at the same place and time, like clockwork. Of course, you need to be mindful of the sunset times, which change throughout the year. While in winter, you might enter the water around 5 p.m., in summer, you can go as late as 6 p.m. The key is patience and making sure you don’t blink too much during the dive!

Looking for that Perfect Shot?

For underwater photographers, hamlets make excellent subjects. They are vibrant, approachable, and often hold their ground, offering great profile and front views.

Tips from Adam Beard Photography

“When photographing hamlets, it’s important to first observe their behavior a few times before you start shooting. Anticipating their movements and positioning yourself accordingly can make all the difference in your shots.

Shooting upwards to include the water column in the background, combined with a high F-stop and fast shutter speed, enhances focus and creates a dramatic, dark backdrop. Ensure you use powerful strobes to capture the vibrant colors of these colorful frisky little fish.”

Next time you’re on a Caribbean reef, keep an eye out for Hamlets—they’re likely watching you just as intently.

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