fishes_of_hawaii.pdf

7/27/2019 fishes_of_hawaii.pdf

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GOATFISH

Goatfish are bottom-feeding carnivores,easily recognized by the pair of barbelsunder their jaws which are used to locatefood. Tucked under the sides of the jawwhen not in use, the barbels may not beimmediately apparent. Goatfish are com-mon in inshore waters, and are among themost popular food fish in Hawaii.

KmParupeneus porphyreus

Whitesaddle goatfish

Description: Juveniles greenish with redfins, body coloration becomes brick redwith age; white saddle behind soft dorsalfin; dark stripe running through eye from

near snout to below first dorsal fin, darkerspot between eye and upper edge of gillcover.

Size: Length up to 20 inches; weight gen-erally up to 5 pounds

Habitat: Various depths throughout reefareas, especially under coral heads

Feeding: Nocturnal; mostly crustaceansSchooling: Small groups by day, solitaryat night

Fishing methods: Spear, trap, net, hand-line, pole and line

Seasonality: Young km common oninshore reefs throughout spring and sum-mer; adults common year round

Km are extremely prized fish in Hawaii;the flesh is considered a delicacy.

Endemic to Hawaii.

MaluParupeneus pleurostigma

Sidespot goatfish

Description: Body light, whitish to pink;black spot on side below rear of first dor-sal fin, followed by large oval white area.


Habitat: Sandy patches adjacent to coral,from nearshore to depths of about 120feet

Feeding: Diurnal; small worms, crus-taceans

Schooling: Adults solitary; juveniles smallgroups

Fishing methods: Handline, spear, trap,net

MoanoParupeneus multifasciatus

Manybar goatfish

Description: Reddish with shades of yel-low and white; black marks behind eye, atbase of pectoral fin, and black saddleareas in front of first dorsal fin, betweendorsal fins, below soft dorsal fin, and infront of tail; deepness of color varies withlight intensity, becoming lighter in brightlight.

Size: Length up to 14 inches; weight gen-erally up to 1 pound

Habitat: Rocky areas, sandy bottoms nearcoral heads

Feeding: Diurnal; crustaceans, small fish

Schooling: Solitary or small groups

Fishing methods: Handline, trap, spear,pole and line

Moano keaParupeneus cyclostomus

Moana kali, blue goatfish

Description: Bluish-purple, with promi-

nent yellow saddle at base of tail; slenderbody, long snout and long barbels.

Size: Length up to 2 feet; weight general-ly up to 5 pounds

Habitat: Rocky or reef areas, fromnearshore to depth of about 200 feet

Feeding: Diurnal; small fish, crustaceansSchooling: Adults small groups; juvenilessolitary

Fishing methods: Handline, spear, trap,net, pole and line

MunuParupeneus bifasciatus

Doublebar goatfish, Joe Louis

Description: Reddish to yellowish-gray;black triangular saddle under each dorsalfin and near tail.


Habitat: Rocky areas, especially lavarocks, from nearshore to about 150 feet

Feeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; smallfish, crustaceans

Schooling: Solitary or small groupsFishing methods: Handline, spear, trap,net, pole and line

Weke , oamaMulloides flavolineatus

White weke, yellowstripe goatfish

Description: Silvery white; yellow bandextends from eye to tail when schooling;band becomes less distinct when feeding,and a black spot appears below first dor-sal fin; very slender body compared withmost other goatfish.


Habitat: Sandy bottom areas near coralpatches; shallow water (to about 100 feet)

Feeding: Nocturnal and diurnal; crus-taceans, worms

Schooling: Schools by dayFishing methods: Oama (juveniles)taken by pole and line; adults by net, trap,pole and line, spear

Seasonality: Oama commonly found inshallow sandy areas during late summer;adult weke common year round

Oama make excellent bait for papio andother predators, and are highly sought by

shoreline fishermen.

Weke ula, oamaMulloides vanicolensis

Red weke, yellowfin goatfish

Description: Light pink with yellow hues;

long yellow band extending from eye tobase of tail; fish becomes reddish whendead; inner lining of abdomen is black.


Habitat: Reef areas, generally in depthsfrom 20-200 feet

Feeding: Nocturnal; small worms andcrustaceans

Schooling: Large schools during the day;solitary or small groups at night whenfeeding


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Fishing methods: Mostly net and trapSeasonality: Juveniles, known as oama,common offshore in late summer; adultscommon year round

Weke nonoMulloides pflugeri

Weke ula, moelua, Pfluger's goatfish

Description: Red with vertical orange-yellow bands when alive; color changes touniform red when dead; inner lining ofabdominal cavity white; fairly robust com-pared with most other goatfish.


Habitat: Sand patches and limestone bot-toms, usually 60-300 feet

Feeding: Diurnal; small fish and crus-

taceansSchooling: Small groups or large schoolsFishing methods: Handline, trap, spear

Weke pueoUpeneus spp.

Nightmare weke, bandtail goatfish

Description: Light greenish above, fadingto white below; black and white horizontalstripes on tail.

Size: Length up to 12 inchesHabitat: Shallow sandy or muddy bottomsFeeding: Diurnal; crustaceans and smallfish

Schooling: Small groupsFishing methods: Pole and line, net,spear

Weke pueo should be prepared and eatenwith care, since the head may cause hallu-cinations and other symptoms of poisoningif consumed.

SURGEONFISH

Surgeonfish (tangs) have blade-like spineson either side of the base of the tail, whichare sometimes used defensively by thefish. (Fishermen have suffered cuts ontheir account, so surgeonfish shouldalways be handled with care.) Surgeon-fish are very common in inshore waters,feeding primarily by day, and at night rest-ing on the bottom in a sleep-like state.

Because they are mostly plant eaters,having small mouths and specializedteeth, most surgeonfish are difficult tocatch with hook and line.

KalaNaso unicornis

Bluespine unicornfish

Description: Dusky olive, with light blueon the fins and around the caudal spines;horn protruding from front of head abouteye level (lengthens with age). A similarspecies, Naso brevirostris, is grayishgreen with numerous small spots or darklines on the sides, and a body that is lessdeep. Kala have two fixed caudal spineson each side.


Habitat: Inshore reef areas and alongrocky shores

Feeding: Diurnal; algae, especially moreleafy varieties

Schooling: Schools; large adults some-times found singly at edge of reef

Fishing methods: Net, spear, pole andline

KoleCtenochaetus strigosus

Goldring surgeonfish

Description: Dark brown with about 35light blue horizontal lines extending intothe fins, small blue spots on the head,bright yellow ring around the eye; singleretractable caudal spine on each side.


Habitat: Inshore reef areas, and depthsof 150 feet or more

Feeding: Diurnal, small bits of algae anddecaying plant material

Schooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Spear

ManiniAcanthurus triostegus sandvicensis

Convict tang

Description: Silvery, may have yellowishtinge; six black vertical bars, the first pass-ing through the eye and the last near thebase of the tail; single small retractablecaudal spine on each side.


Habitat: Most reef areas, from shore todepths of about 90 feet

Feeding: Diurnal; mostly fine algae

Schooling: Large schools, but also seensingly or in small schools

Fishing methods: Net, spearManini are the most abundant surgeonfishin Hawaii.

Endemic to Hawaii.

Opelu kalaNaso hexacanthus

Sleek unicornfish

Description: Color varies from darkbrown to pale blue, with a dark blue tailfin; two fixed caudal spines on each side.


Habitat: Deeper waters outside reef; notcommon in waters less than 30 to 50 feet

Feeding: Diurnal; plankton, including crablarvae and small worms

Schooling: Large schoolsFishing methods: Spear, net, pole andline


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PalaniAcanthurus dussumieri

Eyestripe surgeonfish

Description: Yellowish brown with blackspots, bright blue tail fin, fine blue lines onbody fading towards belly, yellow dorsaland anal fins, yellow band between andbehind the eyes; single white retractablecaudal spine on each side, surrounded bya patch of black.

Size: Length up to 18 inches or more;weight generally up to 3 pounds

Habitat: Mostly bays and outer reef areasover sandy patches, usually at depths ofat least 10 feet

Feeding: Diurnal; algae and decayingplant material

Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Spear, trap

Pualu

Acanthurus spp.Ringtail surgeonfish, yellowfin surgeonfish

Description: Purplish gray, sometimeswith irregular dark stripes along the sides,dorsal and anal fins have horizontal bluebands, yellow spot between eye and top ofgill cover; single black retractable caudalspine on each side.


Habitat: Bays and harbors; also deepouter reefs with sandy patches, usually atdepths of 30 feet or more

Feeding: Diurnal; mostly algae, but oftenhooked with animal material as bait

Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Spear, net, handline

WRASSES

Wrasses make up the largest family offishes in Hawaii. Nearly 50 species areknown to exist here, but only a few arepopular with fishermen. Males andfemales of the same species frequentlyhave different colorations, and wrassesare known to undergo sex conversionsfrom female to male. Coloration changesas the fish gets older.

AawaBodianus bilunulatus

Hawaiian hogfish, table boss

Description: Juveniles (up to 4 inches)whitish with reddish brown horizontal linesand large black spot between soft dorsaland anal fins; as fish grows older spot dis-

appears and black saddle forms at rear ofdorsal fin; females white with brown hori-zontal lines in front, shading to yellow neartail; males wine-colored or purplish brown,and black saddle is faint or absent.


Habitat: Common throughout reef area,taken on bottom in shallow water out todepths of about 100 feet or more

Feeding: Diurnal; small fish, crustaceans,molluscs, sea urchins

Schooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Handline, spear, poleand line

Hinlea lauwiliThalassoma duperreySaddle wrasse

Description: Green with vertical purple-red bars, purplish blue head and wideorange saddle surrounding body justbehind head; saddle not apparent on juve-niles.

Size: Length up to 1 foot; weight general-ly up to 12 pound

Habitat: Very abundant along shallowrocky shorelines and reef areas

Feeding: Diurnal; seaweed, crustaceansSchooling: Solitary or small aggregateFishing methods: Pole and line, handlineGenerally an incidental catch; food valueconsidered poor, often used as bait.

Endemic to Hawaii

LaenihiXyrichtys umbrilatus

Blackside razorfish, nabeta

Description: Blue-green or grayish bodywith faint vertical crossbands, one darkscale on either side below front of dorsalfin, yellow stripe on anal fin.


Habitat: Sandy areas at depths of 60 to300 feet, generally within a few hundredyards of the shoreline

Feeding: Diurnal; crustaceansSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: HandlineConsidered an excellent food fish.

Endemic to Hawaii.

PoouOxycheilinus unifasciatus

Ringtail wrasse

Description: Color varies with age; at 10inches the fish is plain olive green withwhite saddle near tail; fish 20 inches and

over have no white saddle, but show blackspots at base of dorsal and anal fins, andhave dark pelvic fins.


Habitat: Reef and rocky areas at depthsof up to 40 or 50 feet

Feeding: Diurnal; fish and crustaceansSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Handline, spear


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Amaama, pua

Mugil cephalusStriped mullet

Description: Body silver with grayish-green above changing to white below, red-dish tinge around mouth and gills. A simi-lar species, Chelon engeli (summer orAustralian mullet), is smaller than theamaama, growing to a length of about 8inches, and has slightly larger scales.


Habitat: Calm waters close to shore,around mouths of streams and inlets, andbrackish bays and harbors

Feeding: Diurnal; algae and small plants,

especially along bottom.Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Generally taken withnets; difficult to catch with pole and line,but will take a hook baited with thin sea-weed or bread

Seasonality: Spawns December throughFebruary

UouoaNeomyxus leuciscusSharpnose mullet

Description: Grayish back, changing tosilver on the sides, white belly; yellow spotpresent at base of pectoral fins; snoutmore pointed than amaama.


Habitat: Sandy shores, tide pools, rockysurge areas

Feeding: Diurnal; seaweed, some crus-taceans

Schooling: Schools

Fishing methods: NetSeasonality: More common Novemberthrough March

KkSphyraena barracuda

Great barracuda

Description: Greyish back turning silveryon sides and belly, with irregular blackflecks on sides.


Habitat: Various, inshore and offshore;juveniles prefer brackish water areas, baysand stream mouths

Feeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; fish andsquid

Schooling: Generally solitaryFishing methods: Generally caught cast-ing from shore, trolling lures and baits, andhandlining from boats. Prominent sharpteeth make a wire leader essential, andthe fish should be regarded with caution.

KawaleSphyraena helleri

Heller's barracuda

Description: Silvery olive above, becom-ing silvery on sides and belly; sidesmarked with two horizontal yellowishstripes which disappear after death.Smaller than kaku, with more slender headand larger eyes.


Habitat: Inshore to depths of 50 to 200feet

Feeding: Nocturnal; small fishSchooling: Large schoolsFishing methods: Mostly handline

TaapeLutjanus kasmira

Bluestripe snapper

Description: Bright lemon yellow withfour pale-blue horizontal stripes edgedwith lavender or deep purple.


Habitat: Hard bottom areas, generally inwaters 40 to over 300 feet deep

Feeding: Primarily nocturnal; shrimp andother crustaceans, squid, and small fish

Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Generally taken at

night with handlines; some taken in trapsor nets; occasionally by pole and line nearshore and by spear

Introduced 1958 and 1961 fromMarquesas Islands and Society Islands

ToauLutjanus fulvus

Blacktail snapper

Description: Dusky yellow above fadingto pale yellow or white below, six or morethin horizontal yellow stripes along side;dorsal fin reddish, tail fin blackish with red-dish tinge and white margin; other fins yel-low.


Habitat: Inshore, brackish water andaround stream mouths out to waters about40 or 50 feet in depth

Feeding: Nocturnal; crustaceans, espe-cially crabs, and small fish

Schooling: Solitary or small schoolFishing methods: Handline, pole andline, trap, spear

Introduced 1956 and 1958 from SocietyIslands

MULLET BARRACUDAS NEARSHORE SNAPPERS


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WahanuiAphareus furca

Smalltooth jobfish, gurutsu

Description: Uniform steel blue or pur-plish, with yellow border on anal fin.


Habitat: Open water, generally just out-side or above reef

Feeding: Diurnal; small fish and crus-taceans

Schooling: Solitary or small schoolFishing methods: Pole and line, hand-line, spear

AhaBelonidae

Needlefish

Description: Blue green on back, fading tosilvery below; jaws long and pointed, withsharp teeth.

Size: Length depends on species, 15inches to more than 4 feet; weight gener-ally up to 5 pounds

Habitat: Near surface in waters of variousdepths from nearshore to open ocean

Feeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; small fishnear the surface, floating crabs

Schooling: Schools

Fishing methods: Pole and line

Aha can be dangerous at night; they areattracted to lights and have been known tospear people.

holeholeKuhlia sandvicensis

Hawaiian flagtail

Description: Silvery, with blue tones onback, fins often dusky tipped.


OTHER REEF FISHES

Habitat: Inshore areas, including streams,bays and along shoreline; generally foundat depths less than 20 feet; juveniles livein tide pools or schools close to shore

Feeding: Mostly nocturnal; primarily crus-taceans

Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, castnets, spear

Seasonality: More taken during fall andwinter

Endemic to Hawaii

AlaihiSargocentronand Neoniphon spp.

Squirrelfish

Description: Bright red, fading to lighterbelow in some species; sides marked withsix or more light horizontal lines; mostspecies take on prominent nocturnal col-oration, generally white spots or verticalbands.

Size: Length up to 12 inches or more,depending on species; weight up to 5pounds for largest species

Habitat: Inshore reef areas, congregatingin crevices and caves by day and foragingover the reef at night

Feeding: Nocturnal; crustaceansSchooling: Solitary or grouped, depend-ing on species

Fishing methods: Spear, handline, poleand line, trap

AwaChanos chanos

Milkfish

Description: Grayish green above, fadingto silvery below.

Size: Length up to 3 feet or more; mostcaught are around 18 to 24 inches; weightgenerally up to 40 pounds

Habitat: Near surface in inshore areas,including brackish-water areas, bays andinlets

Feeding: Diurnal; algaeSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, netSeasonality: Generally more taken insummer months

AwaauaElops hawaiensis

Hawaiian tenpounder

Description: Bright silvery, with blue-

green hue on the dorsal area.Size: Length up to 3 feet or more; weightgenerally up to 12 pounds

Habitat: Inshore areas, including baysand harbors, and along sandy shorelines

Feeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; small fishand crustaceans

Schooling: Singly or in small schoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, net

weoweoPriacanthidae

Bigeye, glasseye

Description: Variable coloration, fromdeep red to silvery, or mottled silvery pinkand red; fins often speckled with black;some species plain red by day.

Size: Length depends on species, up to20 inches; weight generally up to 3pounds

Habitat: Shallow reefs out to deep boul-der areas

Feeding: Nocturnal; small fish and inver-tebrates

Schooling: Solitary or schoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, hand-line, spear, net

KppAbudefduf sordidusBlackspot sergeant

Description: Grayish brown above fadingto silvery below; sides marked with sevendark vertical bands; dark spot on upperside of caudal peduncle and at base ofdorsal fin.


Habitat: Inshore reef and boulder areas;shallow rock crevices; juveniles commonin tide pools


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Feeding: Diurnal; algae, small crus-taceans and other invertebrates

Schooling: Solitary or small schoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, spear

MamoAbudefduf abdominalis

Hawaiian sergeant

Description: Pale brassy or green withfour or five black vertical bars; belly whitewith yellow tinge near anal fin.


Habitat: Shallow water reefs, harbors andbays, from nearshore to edge of reef

Feeding: Diurnal; small crustaceans,plankton

Schooling: Loose aggregatesFishing methods: Pole and line, spearEndemic to Hawaii

MoiPolydactylus sexfilis

Six-fingered threadfin

Description: Dusky above, silvery onsides and belly, with numerous narrowwavy horizontal lines along sides; finsblack-tipped; characterized by presence ofsix long filaments extending from base ofeach pectoral fin, and overhanging snout.


Habitat: Generally found in sandy holesalong rocky shorelines, or along sandybeaches in surge areas

Feeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; primarilycrustaceans

Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, netSeasonality: Spawn during summermonths; from about May through Augustsmall moi (or moi-lii) occur in schoolsalong beaches and in sheltered coves

MuMonotaxis grandoculis

Bigeye emperor

Description: Olive gray above fading tosilvery below; sides marked with four lightvertical bands which fade as fish getsolder; inside of mouth red.


Habitat: Various reef areas, generallymoving into shallower waters duringevening

Feeding: Nocturnal; small mollusks andcrustaceans

Schooling: Solitary or loose aggregatesFishing methods: Pole and line, spear

NenueKyphosus spp.

Enenue, sea chub, rudderfish

Description: Gray brown with blue reflec-tions above, fading to lighter below; nar-row dark bands on sides between scale

rows; some fish have irregular yellowblotches on sides, and on rare occasionsa fish may be entirely yellow.


Habitat: Rough and turbulent watersalong rocky coasts

Feeding: Diurnal; mostly algae

Schooling: Schools

Fishing methods: Spear, net, pole andline

NohuScorpaenopsis cacopsis

Scorpionfish

Description: Mottled camouflage col-oration, reddish brown with irregular whiteand yellow hues, fading to lighter below;spines venomous.


Habitat: Outer edges of reef in water over20 feet deep

Feeding: Diurnal; small fish and inverte-brates

Schooling: Solitary, sedentaryFishing methods: Spear, pole and line

iAlbula spp.

Bonefish

Description: Bright iridescent silver, withgreenish tinge on dorsal area; elongateupper jaw.

Size: Length generally up to about 18inches; may reach over 40 inches; weightgenerally up to 16 pounds

Habitat: Sandy bottoms, usually oversand patches or channels in reef areas

Feeding: Generally nocturnal; crus-taceans, small fish

Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, net,handline

Seasonality: More taken Decemberthrough April

PkiiBothus spp.

Flounder

Description: Brownish coloration withirregular mottling, lower surface white ortan; coloration changes to match sub-strate.


Habitat: Sandy patches in shallow waterFeeding: Diurnal; crustaceans and smallfish

Schooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Pole and line, spear


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PoopaaCirrhitus pinnulatus

Stocky hawkfish

Description: Brownish above fading tolighter below, with white mottlings; bodyand fins have red spots; head bluish whitewith brownish orange markings.


Habitat: Hides in crevices during the day;at night found in turbulent waters of surgezones, often on large rocks or coral heads

Feeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; small fishand crustaceans

Schooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Pole and line, spear

PuhiGymnothorax spp.

Moray eel

Description: Coloration varies withspecies; generally brown (darker toward

posterior) with numerous round or irregularlight spots, depending on species; largefanglike teeth.

Size: Length up to 5 or 6 feet; most under2 feet; weight occasionally reaches 70pounds

Habitat: Crevices and holes in rocky orreef areas; rarely exposed, except forhead

Feeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; fish andcrustaceans

Schooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Spear, pole and line,trap

Puhi hConger cinereusWhite eel, mustache conger, tohe

Description: Grayish brown on dorsalsurface, fading to lighter below, alternatinglight and dark bars on body when feeding;well-developed pectoral fins are present.


Habitat: Crevices and holes in nearshorereef areas by day; moves in open on reefafter dark

Feeding: Nocturnal; fish and crustaceansSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Spear, pole and line,trap

RoiCephalopholis argus

Peacock grouper

Description: Purple brown with light bluespots; pale vertical bars present towardstail region, fins edged with yellow.


Habitat: Reefs and rocky areas at depthsof about 10 to 40 fathoms, generally nearledges and crevices

Feeding: Diurnal; fishSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Spear, trap, handlineIntroduced 1956 and 1961 from SocietyIslands

UhuScaridae

Parrotfish

Description: Coloration varies withspecies, sex and age; males are generallymore gaudy, with colors dominated byblues and greens, females are generallymore bland with colors dominated by red-dish browns or grays; teeth are fusedtogether and resemble a beak.

Size: Length up to 2 feet or more; weightgenerally up to 15 pounds

Habitat: Rocky areas and coral reefs,usually more abundant at outer edge of

reefFeeding: Diurnal; algae, crustaceansSchooling: Solitary or small groups; juve-niles tend to school

Fishing methods: Spear, net

UppaluApogon spp.

Cardinalfish

Description: Coloration varies withspecies; generally light red or brown withiridescent hues; dark horizontal bandspresent in some species.

Size: Length up to about 7 inches,depending on species; weight generally upto 14 pound

Habitat: Nearshore caves and crevicesFeeding: Nocturnal; small crustaceansSchooling: Solitary when feedingFishing methods: Pole and line

``Myripristis spp.

Soldierfish, menpachi

Description: Bright red by day, lowersides become silvery at night.


Habitat: Inshore reef areas, congregatingin caves and crevices during the day

Feeding: Nocturnal; plankton, crusta-ceans

Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Spear, handline, net,trap

Seasonality: Spawns late spring to mid-summer; generally more taken in late sum-mer and early fall


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CARANGIDS(Jacks and their allies)

Akule, halalSelar crumenophthalmus

Bigeye scad, aji

Description: Silvery blue above fading tosilvery white below, yellow tail fin; verylarge eyes.


Habitat: Mid- or surface waters alongcoast, or shallow banks near shore

Feeding: Nocturnal; small crustaceansSchooling: Large schoolsFishing methods: Halalu (juveniles up toabout 5 inches) taken with light tackle;

akule are generally taken handlining atnight, or by day with net or pole and line

Seasonality: Spawn from about Marchthrough October, at which time they formlarge schools in shallow water; halalucommon about July to December

An excellent food fish.

Kahala

Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack

Description: Light metallic brown withpurplish tinge; light yellow horizontal bandextends from head to base of tail, fadesafter fish is caught; dark diagonal streakthrough eye.


Habitat: Deeper coastal waters, typically60 to 600 feet or more; lives near bottom;young often found around floating objectsat sea

Feeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; fish andsquid

Schooling: Solitary or small schoolFishing methods: Caught mostly by fish-ing over deep-sea ledges or drop offs;usually taken handlining offshore, butoften come close enough to shore to becaught with baitcasting gear; occasionallyby spear or trap

KamanuElagatis bipinnulatus

Rainbow runner

Description: Dark blue above followed in

succession down side by light blue stripe,yellow stripe, another light blue stripe; yel-lowing silver below, yellow fins.


Habitat: Open water, usually near sur-face; may be found with other fish aroundfloating objects

Feeding: Diurnal; fish and squidSchooling: Solitary or small schoolFishing methods: Trolling with smalllures or baits, by handline, or from shorewith baitcasting gear

Considered an excellent food fish.

LaiScomberoides lysan

Leatherback

Description: Slate blue above, fading tosilvery below; fins may have yellowishtinge; leathery skin with small needle-likescales.


Habitat: Inshore coastal waters, shelteredbays and harbors, brackish water areasnear mouths of streams

Feeding: Diurnal; smaller schooling fish-es, especially mullet and nehu, crus-taceans

Schooling: Schools near the surfaceFishing methods: Often caught by shoreanglers casting bait or lures for young

jacks; also by net; should be handledcarefully because of sharp anal spines

Not widely sought after for food; skin isvalued for making trolling lures.

peluDecapterus macarellus

Mackerel scad

Description: Bluish or greenish yellowabove fading to silvery white below, darkspot on upper part of gill cover.


Habitat: Near coast in surface and mid-water; juveniles school far out at sea

Feeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; plankton,especially small crustaceans

Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Caught by handline atnight, and with special lift nets during theday

Seasonality: Spawns from about Marchto the middle of August; juveniles entercoastal areas in late fall and winter

Considered an excellent food fish; alsopopular as bait and live chum for largetuna, marlin, and other predators.

OmakaAtule mate

Yellowtail scad

Description: Silvery body with greenishyellow tinge, marked with 9 or 10 darkervertical bars; yellow tail, black spot behindeye on edge of gill cover.

Size: Length up to one foot; weight gener-ally up to 34 pound

Habitat: Protected bays and estuaries;juveniles very abundant in fall aroundfloating objects, especially jellyfish; notfound in open sea

Feeding: Diurnal; plankton, mostly smallfish and crustaceans

Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Mostly taken with lighttackle from shore and piers; occasionallytaken with net

Seasonality: More common March toOctober

Considered an excellent food fish.


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ULUA

Like other carangids, ulua are fast-swim-ming predators, feeding on a variety of fishand crustaceans. Juveniles, known collec-tively as ppio, tend to live close to shorefor protection, then move toward deeperwaters as they get older. Ulua areextremely popular gamefish, and the fleshis very good to eat.

Ulua aukeaCaranx ignobilis

White ulua, giant trevally

Description: Pale olive above with green-ish tinge around head, white sides, yellow

anal fin; color varies to darker shades,depending on fish's temperament and timeof day; breast nearly scaleless except forpatch of about 10 scales in middle.

Size: Length over 5 feet; weight generallyup to 120 pounds

Habitat: Papio caught near shore, adultfish found over nearshore reefs; often hid-ing in caves during the day

Feeding: Nocturnal, but occasionallycaught by day; fish, octopus, crustaceans

Schooling: School; when large (over 30pounds) generally solitary or in pairs

Fishing methods: Casting from rockyshores and ledges; handline, trap, spear

Seasonality: Young common in summer,

adults common year roundAn excellent food fish, the white ulua iswidely considered to be the ultimateshoreline gamefish.

Ulua luliCaranx lugubris

Black trevally

Description: Dark brown, with almostblack head; may tend toward a creamy ordusky shade; breast completely scaled,scutes distinct; definite notch above snoutin profile.

Size: Length over 3 feetHabitat: Outer reef channelsFeeding: Nocturnal; fish and crustaceansSchooling: Form large schools whenfeeding

Fishing methods: Casting from rockyshores and ledges

Seasonality: Uncommon year round inmain Hawaiian Islands

Ulua kihikihiAlectis ciliarisThreadfin jack, kagami ulua

Description: Adults dusky white, oftendarker along dorsal area, with bluish,greenish, and yellowish hues; juveniles sil-very blue above and bright silver below,with a diamond shaped body and longtrailing filaments extending from dorsal

and anal fins; as fish gets older bodybecomes more elongate, and filamentsbegin to disappear.


Habitat: Juveniles often found in harborsand other sheltered waters, upon reachingmaturity move to deeper and more openwater, often taken from depths of 60 to200 feet

Feeding: Diurnal; mostly crustaceansSchooling: Solitary or small schoolFishing methods: Handline

UluaUraspis helvola

Cottonmouth jack, dobe ulua

Description: Dark dusky color, easilyidentified by looking inside mouth; tongueand roof of mouth are white, back ofmouth and throat and gill areas are bluishblack.


Habitat: Dropoff areas, generally 100 to200 feet

Feeding: Nocturnal; small fish and crus-taceans

Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Handline

Pake uluaCaranx sexfasciatus

Bigeye trevally, menpachi ulua, sasa

Description: Dark blue-green to goldabove, yellow-green to silver below, upperlobe of tail fin dark with black tip; juvenileshave four to seven dark vertical bands.

Size: Length usually under 3 feet; weightgenerally up to 15 pounds

Habitat: Young fish found in brackishwater areas out to deeper coastal waters;adult fish live along rocky shores in turbu-lent water over reefs

Feeding: Nocturnal; fish and crustaceansSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Handline; juvenilestaken with pole and line

Seasonality: More abundant spring tomid-summer

miluCaranx melampygusBluefin trevally, hoshi ulua

Description: Juveniles silvery blue abovefading to silver below, with yellow pectoralfins; as fish ages bluish-black spots beginto appear all over, and body changes toneon blue; fins, especially first dorsal, alsoblue; breast completely scaled.


Habitat: Juveniles found in shallow baysand estuaries; medium sized fish (6 to 20inches) taken over reefs; adults oftenmove in close to shore by following chan-nels in coral reefs, swimming over the reefby day

Feeding: Mostly diurnal; small fishSchooling: Solitary or small groups

Fishing methods: Usually taken with sur-fcasting gear; trolling, spear, net, handline,trap; juveniles taken with pole and line

Adult

Juvenile


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Ulua paopaoGnathanodon speciosus

Golden trevally

Description: Creamy yellow with silveryand bluish hues, marked by series of 8 to12 darker greenish vertical bands; jaws ofadults contain no teeth.


Habitat: Generally found in sandy chan-nels and bars close to shore

Feeding: Uncertain; fish and crustaceansSchooling: Small schoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, netSeasonality: Uncommon year round

UluaCarangoides orthogrammus

Yellowspot trevally, island jack, papa

Description: Silvery blue above fading tosilvery white below, bluish and goldenhues on fins; sides marked with a fewlemon-colored round spots, which tend tofade as fish gets older.

Size: Length up to 2 feet; weight general-ly up to 5 poundsHabitat: Near shoreFeeding: Diurnal; small fish and crus-taceans

Schooling: Solitary or small groupsFishing methods: Trolling, spear, poleand line

ButaguchiPseudocaranx dentexButa ulua, thicklipped jack

Description: Dark silver above fading tolight silver below, dark spot at upper edgeof gill cover; juveniles have yellow horizon-tal streak extending through eye and alongside of body to base of tail; thick fleshylips, pointed snout, and concave depres-sion in front of eyes.

SCOMBRIDS(Tunas and their allies)

Scombrids are carnivorous fishes that feedon squids, crustaceans and other smallfishes. They have well-contoured torpedo-shaped bodies, the most perfect shape forhigh-speed swimming. The anterior dorsalfin can be completely tucked into a grooveon the back. Scombrids often live in largeschools, and many species are known tomigrate over long distances.


Habitat: Bays and coastal watersFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; fish,crustaceans and octopus

Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Handline

AhiThunnus albacares

Yellowfin tuna

Description: Blackish blue above fading towhite below; faint yellow stripe extendsfrom eye to tail, soft dorsal and anal finsand finlets bright yellow; dorsal and analfins lengthen with age.

Size: Weight up to 300 pounds

Habitat: Open water, generally found overdeepwater banks and submarine ledgeareas at depths to 1000 fathoms; youngfish often travel near the surface

Feeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; fish,squid and crustaceans

Schooling: Schools

Fishing methods: Longline, pole and line,trolling, handline

Seasonality: Adults more abundant latespring through early fall; juveniles abun-dant fall and winter

Ahi palahaThunnus alalungaAlbacore, tombo

Description: Blackish blue above fadingto silvery below; long pectoral fins whichextend beyond the soft dorsal and analfins.

Size: Weight up to 80 pounds or more,but few exceed 40 pounds

Habitat: Open water, generally stayingbelow 60 fathoms during the day, thenmoves close to surface by night


Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Longline, handlineSeasonality: More abundant during sum-

mer months

Ahi poo nuiThunnus obesus

Bigeye tuna

Description: Blackish blue above fadingto silvery below, yellowish finlets; closelyresembles ahi, but has larger eyes.

Size: Weight generally up to 150 pounds,but some have been known to reach 300pounds

Habitat: Open water, generally stayingbelow 60 to 70 fathoms by day, then mov-ing closer to surface by night


Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Handline, longlineSeasonality: More abundant late fallthrough late spring

AkuKatsuwonus pelamis

Skipjack tuna

Description: Dark metallic blue above,light dusky blue below, with four or fivedark purplish longitudinal stripes on side ofbelly.

Size: Weight averages about 18 to 22pounds during the summer, 5 to 12pounds during the rest of the year

Habitat: Generally found in waters 100fathoms and deeper

Feeding: Diurnal; fish, squid and crus-taceans

Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Pole and line (akuboat type), trolling

Seasonality: Taken year round, but mostcommon during spring and summer


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KawakawaEuthynnus affinis

Wavyback skipjack

Description: Dark blue or bluegreenabove fading to silver below; about 12dark wavy marks on dorsal area.

Size: Weight up to about 20 pounds, butmost are around 4 or 5 pounds

Habitat: Open water, but somewhat closeto shoreline, generally in depths less than100 fathoms; often found over dropoffs, orin association with aku; young may enterbays and harbors

Feeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; smallfish, squid and crustaceans

Schooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Trolling, pole and lineSeasonality: Present throughout year,

but most abundant during summer whenthe fish come fairly close to shore in largeschools

OnoAcanthocybium solanderi

Wahoo

Description: Dark blue above fading tosilver below, with about 30 purplish-grayvertical bars on sides that flash bright blue

when the fish is fighting a hook.Size: Weight up to 100 pounds, average30 to 40 pounds

Habitat: Roams the surface waters of theopen sea, usually over deep-sea ledges;often found near floating logs and otherobjects


Schooling: Solitary or small schoolsFishing methods: Trolling, longlineSeasonality: More abundant late springthrough fall

BILLFISH

Billfish are carnivorous fishes of the openocean, feeding on squid and relativelylarge fishes. They are characterized bythe presence of a spear, or bill, which isactually an extension of the upper jaw.The bill helps streamline the fish, and isoften used to slash at schools of prey; thebillfish then feeds on the wounded fish.

AuTetrapterus audax

Striped marlin, nairagi

Description: Royal blue above fading tosilvery below, with lavender or pale bluevertical stripes on sides; dorsal and analfins cobalt blue; high pointed dorsal fin.

Size: Weight up to 150 pounds or more;

most average about 25 to 100 poundsHabitat: PelagicFeeding: Diurnal; fish and squidSchooling: Solitary or small schoolsFishing methods: Trolling, longlineSeasonality: Taken mostly in spring andfall

Au

Makaira nigricansPacific blue marlin, kajiki

Description: Cobalt blue above fading tosilvery below, with pale blue verticalstripes on sides and blue patches on dor-sal area and tail.

Size: Weight averages about 300 to 400pounds, but some exceeding 1400 poundshave been taken

Habitat: Generally taken over bank areaswhere baitfish are abundant, and over off-shore ledges where bottom drops off from100 to 1000 fathoms or more

Feeding: Diurnal; mainly aku and othertunas

Schooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Trolling, longlineSeasonality: Most abundant during sum-mer

AuMakaira indica

Black marlin, hida

Description: Variable coloration; mostare dark slate blue above fading to silverybelow; may have pale blue stripes or bluepatches on sides that fade quickly afterdeath; pectoral fins don't fold againstbody.

Size: Most average about 200 pounds,but have been known to reach 1800pounds

Habitat: PelagicFeeding: Diurnal; fish and squidSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Trolling, longline

AuTetrapterus angustirostris

Shortbill spearfish, hebi

Description: Deep metallic blue abovefading to silvery and white below; no sig-nificant markings; upper jaw extends on ashort distance beyond the lower jaw.

Size: Average weight about 20 to 40pounds, rarely exceeds 100 pounds

Habitat: PelagicFeeding: Diurnal; squid and small fish

Schooling: Solitary or small schoolsFishing methods: Trolling, longlineSeasonality: Most abundant during win-ter and early spring

Au kuXiphias gladius

Broadbill swordfish, shutome

Description: Coloration varies frommetallic purplish to blackish brown, butgenerally dark brown, with silvery irides-cence below; pelvic fins are absent, dorsalfin not retractable.

Size: Average weight about 200 to 300pounds; large fish may exceed 1000pounds

Habitat: PelagicFeeding: Nocturnal; fish and squid


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Schooling: Solitary or in pairsFishing methods: Longline, handline

Au lepeIstiophorus platypterus

Sailfish

Description: Body coloration dark steelyblue above fading to silvery white below,with pale purple vertical bars on sides; sailcobalt blue to purple with numerous smallblue spots.

Size: Average weight about 30 to 50pounds

Habitat: Generally near submergedshoals fairly close to shore

Feeding: Diurnal; small fish and squidSchooling: Usually solitary; may occur insmall schools

Fishing methods: Trolling, longlineSeasonality: Uncommon year round

MahimahiCoryphaena hippurus

Dorado

Description: Brilliant green and yellowdotted with phosphorescent blue, with pur-plish blue dorsal fin; colors change rapidlywhen fighting and just before death.Males have an almost vertical head profile,females are more sloping.

Size: Average weight 20 to 30 pounds;occasionally 70 pounds

Habitat: Open ocean, often seen close tosurface near schools of flyingfish, or

around floating objectsFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; squidand small fish, especially flyingfish

Schooling: SchoolFishing methods: Trolling, handline,longline

Seasonality: Small fish (up to 5 pounds)common in summer, large fish (30 to 40pounds) more plentiful in late winter andearly spring

DEEPWATER SNAPPERS

Snappers are voracious carnivores, andthe species described here are generallyfound in the deeper waters of Hawaii, upto 150 fathoms (900 ft), as opposed to thenearshore species described earlier. Mostdeepwater snappers are a uniform brightcolor, usually with red or yellow hues. Afew species have color patterns.

KalekalePristipomoides sieboldii

Kalikali, von Siebold's snapper

Description: Light lavender above fadingto lighter below; scales above lateral linehave pale-blue spots in center which formlengthwise lines; margin of dorsal finorange with light lavender; tail fin darklavender with light margin.


Habitat: Deep waters, usually 80 to 120fathoms


Schooling: SchoolFishing methods: HandlineSeasonality: Most caught during late falland winter

LeheAphareus rutilans

Lehi, ironjaw snapper

Description: Brick red above fading tosilvery below; dorsal fin has yellow spot onmargins and yellow border; tail has yellow-ish hues.

Size: Length up to 3 feet or more; weightgenerally up to 25 pounds

Habitat: Deep waters, usually around 100fathoms


Schooling: SchoolFishing methods: HandlineSeasonality: Most caught during late falland winter

OpakapakaPristipomoides filamentosus

Pink snapper

Description: Light violet brown abovefading to dusky white below; pectoral finsyellowish.


Habitat: Deep waters, usually 40 to 100fathoms; most abundant over rocky bottomdropoffs

Feeding: Diurnal and noctunal; fish, squidand sea cucumbers

Schooling: SchoolFishing methods: HandlineSeasonality: Most caught during wintermonths

UkikikiPristipomoides zonatus

Brigham's snapper, gindai

Description: Pinkish red with four widevertical yellow bands; dorsal, pectoral andcaudal fins yellow.


Habitat: Deep water, usually 60 to 100fathoms


Schooling: Solitary or small schoolsFishing methods: Handline

UkuAprion virescens

Gray snapper

Description: Uniform grayish blue, withdorsal area more bluish than below; dardblue towards head; three dark spots nearbase of dorsal fin.

Size: Length up to 3 feet or more; aver-age weight about 4 to 8 pounds

Male

Female

DOLPHINFISH


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FRESHWATER

SPORTFISH (Introduced)

GROUPERSHabitat: Relatively shallow water com-pared with other snappers, usually lessthan 60 fathoms; rocky bottom areas out-side of reef, deep rocky areas near shore

Feeding: Generally nocturnal; fish, squidand crustaceans

Schooling: Solitary or small groups; largeaggregates when spawning

Fishing methods: Handline, spearSeasonality: Most caught during latespring and early summer when spawning

UlaulaEtelis carbunculus

Ehu, red snapper

Description: Red above fading to silverypink below; interior of mouth is pink.

Size: Weight generally up to 9 pounds

Habitat: Deep waters, usually 100 to 150fathomsFeeding: Generally diurnal; fish, squidand crustaceans

Schooling: AggregatesFishing methods: HandlineSeasonality: Most caught during winter

Ulaula koaeEtelis coruscans

Longtail red snapper, onaga

Description: Red above fading to silverypink below; dorsal and tail fins red; insideof mouth red; caudal fin lobes are elon-gate, upper lobe longer than lower.

Size: Weight generally up to 35 poundsHabitat: Taken over offshore dropoffs,usually in water 100 to 150 fathoms

Feeding: Generally diurnal; fish, squidand crustaceans

Schooling: SchoolFishing methods: HandlineSeasonality: Most caught during winter

HapuuEpinephelus quernusSeale's grouper

Description: Dark purplish brown withsmall white spots; spots become less dis-tinct as fish grows larger.


Habitat: Deep water, generally 50 to over120 fathoms

Feeding: Diurnal; fish and crustaceansSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Handline

Largemouth BassMicropterus salmoides

Description: Coloration varies with loca-tion, generally dark green above fading towhite below; may have faint horizontalband along sides (more distinct in youngfish); jaw extends back beyond posteriormargin of eye; dorsal fin deeply notchedbetween spiny and soft portions.

Size: Weight ranges up to 10 pounds in

Hawaii; state record 9 lbs 9.4 oz (1992);world record 22 lbs 4 oz (1932, Georgia).

Distribution: In Hawaii found on theislands of Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii.

Habitat: Usually found in sluggish waters,occur primarily in reservoirs in Hawaii; pre-fer submerged logs, weeds or other covernear banks.

Feeding: Young feed on crustaceans,insects and small fishes; adults feed onlive fishes, crayfish and frogs.

Life history: In Hawaii spawning seasonoccurs during the winter and spring and islimited to reservoir habitats; male builds acircular nest in 3 to 4 feet of water; maleguards the nest and defends eggs andyoung until they leave.

Fishing methods: Light spinning or bait-casting gear is recommended, with sur-face or deep running lures, such as plasticworms, crankbaits or spinnerbaits; effec-tive live baits include puntat, tilapia, cray-

fish and worms.Introduced to Hawaii in 1896.

Smallmouth BassMicropterus dolomieui

Description: Coloration varies with loca-tion, generally dark green to olive brownabove fading to white below; sides markedwith vertical bars and dark mottlings; jaw

does not extend back beyond eye; spinyportion of dorsal fin lower than on large-mouth bass, and not as deeply notched.

Size: Weight ranges up to 4 pounds inHawaii; state record 4.98 lbs (2004); worldrecord 11 lbs 15 oz (1955, Kentucky).

Distribution: In Hawaii found on theislands of Kauai and Oahu.

Habitat: Found in cool flowing streamsand reservoirs fed by such streams.

Feeding: Young feed on crustaceans,insects and small fishes; adults feed pri-marily on live fishes and crayfish.

Life history: In Hawaii spawning seasonoccurs during the spring and is limited tostream habitats; male builds a hollow nest

in sand and guards the young, viciouslyattacking any intruder.

Fishing methods: Small spinners or pop-pers are effective lures; live baits includecrayfish or worms.

Introduced to Hawaii in 1953.

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Description: Bluish olive to gray abovefading to white below, with dark spotsscattered along sides; older malesbecome dark in color and lose spots; longbarbels surrounding mouth; deeply forkedtail.

Size: Generally under 10 pounds, buthave unoffically exceeded 50 pounds inHawaii; state record 43 lbs 13 oz (1974);world record 58 lbs (1964, SouthCarolina).


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Distribution: In Hawaii found on theislands of Kauai and Oahu.

Habitat: Occur primarily in reservoirs inHawaii.

Feeding: Feeds primarily on small fish,crustaceans, clams and snails.

Life history: Spawning occurs in latespring; eggs are laid in jelly-like masses inholes and crevices, and guarded by themale; hatching occurs after about a week,and the male continues to guard the

young.Fishing methods: Crankbaits or largespinnerbaits are the most effective lures; acatfish weighing 51 pounds (unofficially)was taken from the Wahiawa Reservoir ona spoon; other baits include tilapia, cray-fish, aku belly, liver and various stinkbaits.


Rainbow TroutOncorhynchus mykiss

Description: Bluish or olive green abovefading to silvery below, with broad pink lat-eral stripe; back, sides, dorsal and caudalfins marked with small dark spots.

Size: Generally under 3 pounds, but haveunofficially reached 8 pounds in Hawaii;state record 5 lbs 10 oz (1991); worldrecord 42 lbs 3 oz (1970, Alaska).

Distribution: In Hawaii found on theislands of Kauai and Hawaii.

Habitat: Prefers cold water streams withmoderate flow.

Feeding: Young feed on small insects

and crustaceans; adults feed on fish eggs,minnows and other small fish (includingother trout).

Life history: Limited spawning occurs inHawaii because water temperatures aretoo high; what spawning does occur takesplace from about November to February;annual stockings of the Kokee region onKauai are accomplished with eggs fromCalifornia, hatched and raised at SandIsland, Oahu.

Fishing methods: Small spinners or fliesare effective lures; salmon eggs are usedwith good success.


TucunareCichla ocellaris

Description: Yellow with a green backand white abdomen; vertical bars alongsides; during spawning season yellowcolor intensifies, and males develop alarge hump above the head; prominentblack spot on caudal fin.

Size: Weight averages about 2 to 3pounds; state record 9 lbs 4.2 oz (1990);world record 27 lbs (1994, Brazil)

Distribution: In Hawaii found on theislands of Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii.

Habitat: Generally found in the largerreservoirs of the state.

Feeding: Feeds exclusively on small fish,especially threadfin shad, mosquito fish,tilapia and bluegill.

Life history: Spawning in Hawaii occursfrom about March to September; eggs arelaid on rocks or other hard objects andguarded by one or both parents; hatchingtakes place within four days, and parentsguard the young; presence of at least oneparent is essential for survival of young, sofishermen are urged not to disturb spawn-ing fish which are often visible near shore.

Fishing methods: Lures include jigs andtorpedo-shaped lures that resemble min-nows; the only effective live bait is mosqui-tofish, mollies or tilapia.


OscarAstronotus ocellatus

Description: Brightly colored with irregu-lar red markings on a dark brown body;prominent black spot surrounded by redring at base of caudal fin.

Size: Weight reaches 3 pounds or more;state record 2 lbs 6 oz (1976).

Distribution: In Hawaii found on theisland of Oahu.

Habitat: Prefers quiet shallow water.Feeding: Feeds on small fish, crayfish,worms and insect larvae.

Life history: Spawning in Hawaii occursfrom about March to September; oscarpairs excavate a circular nest in shallowwater, where eggs are deposited; bothparents guard the nest.

Fishing methods: Minnow-like lures areeffective; live baits include worms, crayfishand mosquitofish.


Bluegill SunfishLepomis macrochirus

Description: Coloration varies somewhatwith sex and age, generally olive greenabove with blue or purplish sheen alongsides; breeding males may have moreblue and orange on sides; faint verticalbars along sides; opercular flap is darkblue or black, and prominent dark blotch ispresent at posterior base of dorsal fin.

Size: Generally 4 to 6 inches in length,may reach 14 inches; state record 8 oz

(2000); world record 4 lb 12 oz (1950,Alabama).

Distribution: In Hawaii found on theislands of Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii.

Habitat: Usually found in lakes, ponds,reservoirs and sluggish streams, occur pri-marily in reservoirs in Hawaii; prefer deepweed beds.

Feeding: Young feed on crustaceans,insects and worms; adults feed on snails,small crayfish, insects, worms and smallminnows; feed mostly in early morning andlate afternoon and evening.

Life history: In Hawaii spawning seasonoccurs in winter and spring; male builds acircular nest in sandy areas 3 to 6 feet

deep; after fertilizing eggs male chasesfemale away and guards the nest until frydisperse.

Fishing methods: Worms are the mosteffective live bait; lures include flies andsmall spinners.


Illustrations: National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration, Les Hata / Hawaii Fishing News,Division of Aquatic Resources, Waikiki Aquarium

State records as of Feb 2006;

source Hawaii Fishing News.

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