Caught in the act... of trying to hide! This Pacific Mutton Hamlet (Alphestes immaculatus) was photographed in the privacy of its cavernous home at Pelican Rock off of Cabo San Lucas. A member of the Family Serranidae, this sea bass prefers the solitude of caves or reef crevices and occasionally can be found roaming over the bottom searching for small invertebrates or fishes to fulfill its dietary needs. Surrounded by multicolored encrusting sponges the Pacific Mutton Hamlet can change its color and blotch pattern to match that of the surrounding habit. This ability to blend in with its surroundings provides protection from larger predatory fishes, as well as enabling the Hamlet to hunt smaller fishes by ambush.