Hawaii Turkey Fish (Hawaii Lionfish)
The scientific name for this fish is Pterois sphex. It belongs to the Scorpionfish family. A characteristic shared by the fish in this family is that they possess venomous spines. This is their defense against being eaten up by larger predators.
This particular species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. There are other fish of the genus Pterois elsewhere in the world. The Hawaiian species is smaller than its counterparts around the world.
Leaf fish
The Leaf Scorpion fish is a very pretty and colorful fish that is a very popular subject for photographers. It is also commonly referred to as the ‘Paperfish’. This fish species has a widespread distribution and can be found in tropical waters ranging from the Indo-Pacific to east Africa and the Red Sea. It is the only species in the Taenianotus genus.
The Leaf Scorpion fish is a small compressed scorpion fish, with a high long sail like a dorsal fin that is often lifted up. It has a variably developed ‘beard’ of fine appendages around the mouth and algae and hydroids can grow on its skin. It is known to shed its skin periodically. The Leaf Scorpion fish is extremely good at camouflage and divers often do not notice it as it blends in so well with its background.
Devil Scorpion Fish
The Devil Scorpion fish has venomous fin spines inflicting paralyzing venom into their prey or your foot, (if you step on them). Fortunately, the most dangerous species do not occur in Hawaii. To avoid injuries, do not stand on or touch the reef. They are ambush predators of small fish and crustaceans, sitting motionless until prey blunders into range. They are amazingly camouflaged in all different types of reef environments.
Frogfish
From a distance, frogfish can resemble sponges or algae covered rocks, with loose, scale-less skin and color that matches the background. When the unsuspecting prey is close enough, the frogfish can open its mouth at least ten times wider than its resting position and suck in prey that is almost as long as itself. Frogfish can not only surprise prey that unknowingly comes too close, but they can attract hungry fish or invertebrates with bait and a ‘fishing pole’ that hangs from the top of the head directly in front of the mouth.
Millet Seed Butterfly Fish
The Milletseed Butterfly fish is readily seen by both snorkelers and divers at all depths. Although plentiful in Hawaii, it is an endemic species, meaning that it is found only in Hawaiian waters. It gets its name from the rows of little black spots that resemble seeds of millet vertically arranged throughout its body. It is usually seen in great swarms feeding on the egg patches of other fish, and will sometimes clean other fishes.
Hawaiian chub
A robust, skittish species quite rare in small groups on reefs exposed to surge at any depth, the population center appears to be the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It is gray with faint brown lines, sometimes with a pale mid-body band, or charcoal gray with iridescent speckles. It is a local popular fish to catch.
Panther Flounder
The Panther Flounder is common on sand or rubble at any depth. Forehead profile is rounded and the eyes are set close together. This highly compressed fish is found partially buried, in or on the sand of lagoons, bays and sheltered reefs. They feed on small fish, invertebrates and worms. When they are born, they do not swim on their sides. Their eyes are also separate and one migrates to the other’s side as they mature.
Bluefin Trevally
The Bluefin Trevally inhabits both inshore environments such as bays, lagoons and shallow reefs, as well as deeper offshore reefs, and atolls. Juveniles prefer shallower, protected waters, even entering estuaries for short periods in some locations.
The Bluefin Trevally is a strong predatory fish, with a diet dominated by fish as an adult. Juveniles consume small crustaceans, but transfer to a more fish based diet as they grow. The species displays a wide array of hunting techniques ranging from aggressive mid-water attacks, reef ambushes, and foraging interactions with other larger species, snapping up any prey items missed by the larger animal. They change color for hunting and mating purposes.
Baldwin Pipefish
Found in dark holes at scuba depths where it has been seen functioning as a cleaner for eels and cardinal fish. The Baldwin is brown with a red stripe and tiny tail. The pipefish attains 4 inches. It is in the same Order as the Seahorse making it a cousin of the famous fish.
Tropical Reef Trigger Fish (Humuhumunukunukuapua’a)
This fish is the official fish of the State of Hawaii. You’ll have to learn how to say this gigantic word that has more letters than a centipede has legs. Here’s how you pronounce it: “who-moo-who-moo-noo-koo-noo-koo-ah-pooah-ah.”
Also known as the Picasso or rectangular triggerfish, they can physically lock themselves into openings in the rocks or reef, swim forward or backward, and grunt like a pig when approached or taken out of the water.
Triggerfish have unique defense mechanisms that keep them from becoming lunch for bigger fish. When being chased by a predator, they will dart into a hole, in the reef, erect the first of two dorsal spines, and use the second spine (the trigger) to lock the first one in place. These mechanisms prevent the predator from being able to remove the triggerfish from the hole.
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If you are interested in seeing the fish we have mentioned above, contact us today to schedule a scuba diving excursion!
