This dataset comprises 571 live photographs from 15 hamlet species (Hypoplectrus spp.) taken across their entire distribution range in 7 locations: US Virgin Islands, Panama, Belize, the Florida Keys (USA), Tobago, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Photographs were taken in situ underwater. This dataset was used to analyse within and between species phenotypic variation in color pattern, a polygenic trait used as mating cue for assortative mating in hamlets.

This work required ethical approval from the STRI Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) and was obtained under the number SI-22010.The tan hamlet (ID: PL17_125) has not been described yet. The species name is therefore only given as Hypoplectrus.