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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.

KümüParupeneus porphyreusWhitesaddle goatfish

Description: Juveniles greenish with redfins, body coloration becomes brick redwith age; white saddle behind soft dorsalfin; dark stripe running through eye fromnear 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 poundsHabitat: Various depths throughout reefareas, especially under coral headsFeeding: Nocturnal; mostly crustaceansSchooling: Small groups by day, solitaryat nightFishing methods: Spear, trap, net, hand-line, pole and lineSeasonality: Young kümü common oninshore reefs throughout spring and sum-mer; adults common year roundKümü are extremely prized fish in Hawaii;the flesh is considered a delicacy.Endemic to Hawaii.

MaluParupeneus pleurostigmaSidespot goatfish

Description: Body light, whitish to pink;black spot on side below rear of first dor-sal fin, followed by large oval white area.Size: Length up to 16 inches; weight gen-erally up to 2 poundsHabitat: Sandy patches adjacent to coral,from nearshore to depths of about 120feetFeeding: Diurnal; small worms, crus-taceansSchooling: Adults solitary; juveniles smallgroupsFishing methods: Handline, spear, trap,net

MoanoParupeneus multifasciatusManybar 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 poundHabitat: Rocky areas, sandy bottoms nearcoral headsFeeding: Diurnal; crustaceans, small fishSchooling: Solitary or small groupsFishing methods: Handline, trap, spear,pole and line

Moano keaParupeneus cyclostomusMoana 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 poundsHabitat: Rocky or reef areas, fromnearshore to depth of about 200 feetFeeding: Diurnal; small fish, crustaceansSchooling: Adults small groups; juvenilessolitaryFishing methods: Handline, spear, trap,net, pole and line

MunuParupeneus bifasciatusDoublebar goatfish, Joe Louis

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

Size: Length up to 16 inches; weight gen-erally up to 3 poundsHabitat: Rocky areas, especially lavarocks, from nearshore to about 150 feetFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; smallfish, crustaceansSchooling: Solitary or small groupsFishing methods: Handline, spear, trap,net, pole and line

Weke ‘ä, ‘oamaMulloides flavolineatusWhite 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.Size: Length up to 18 inches; weight gen-erally up to 2 poundsHabitat: Sandy bottom areas near coralpatches; shallow water (to about 100 feet)Feeding: Nocturnal and diurnal; crus-taceans, wormsSchooling: Schools by dayFishing methods: ‘Oama (juveniles)taken by pole and line; adults by net, trap,pole and line, spearSeasonality: ‘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 byshoreline fishermen.

Weke ‘ula, ‘oamaMulloides vanicolensisRed 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.Size: Length up to 16 inches; weight gen-erally up to 2 poundsHabitat: Reef areas, generally in depthsfrom 20-200 feetFeeding: Nocturnal; small worms andcrustaceansSchooling: 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 pflugeriWeke ‘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.Size: Length up to 24 inches; weight gen-erally up to 8 poundsHabitat: Sand patches and limestone bot-toms, usually 60-300 feetFeeding: 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 smallfishSchooling: Small groupsFishing methods: Pole and line, net,spearWeke 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 unicornisBluespine 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.Size: Length up to 2 feet; weight general-ly up to 8 poundsHabitat: Inshore reef areas and alongrocky shoresFeeding: Diurnal; algae, especially moreleafy varietiesSchooling: Schools; large adults some-times found singly at edge of reefFishing methods: Net, spear, pole andline

KoleCtenochaetus strigosusGoldring 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.Size: Length up to 7 inches; weight gen-erally up to 1⁄2 poundHabitat: Inshore reef areas, and depthsof 150 feet or moreFeeding: Diurnal, small bits of algae anddecaying plant material

Schooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Spear

ManiniAcanthurus triostegus sandvicensisConvict 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.Size: Length up to 12 inches; weight gen-erally up to 3⁄4 poundHabitat: Most reef areas, from shore todepths of about 90 feetFeeding: Diurnal; mostly fine algaeSchooling: Large schools, but also seensingly or in small schoolsFishing methods: Net, spearManini are the most abundant surgeonfishin Hawaii.Endemic to Hawaii.

‘Opelu kalaNaso hexacanthusSleek unicornfish

Description: Color varies from darkbrown to pale blue, with a dark blue tailfin; two fixed caudal spines on each side.Size: Length up to 2 feet; weight general-ly up to 3 poundsHabitat: Deeper waters outside reef; notcommon in waters less than 30 to 50 feetFeeding: Diurnal; plankton, including crablarvae and small wormsSchooling: Large schoolsFishing methods: Spear, net, pole andline

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PalaniAcanthurus dussumieriEyestripe 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 poundsHabitat: Mostly bays and outer reef areasover sandy patches, usually at depths ofat least 10 feetFeeding: Diurnal; algae and decayingplant materialSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Spear, trap

PualuAcanthurus 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.Size: Length up to 20 inches or more;weight generally up to 5 poundsHabitat: Bays and harbors; also deepouter reefs with sandy patches, usually atdepths of 30 feet or moreFeeding: Diurnal; mostly algae, but oftenhooked with animal material as baitSchooling: 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.

‘A‘awaBodianus bilunulatusHawaiian 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.Size: Length up to 2 feet; weight general-ly up to 4 poundsHabitat: Common throughout reef area,taken on bottom in shallow water out todepths of about 100 feet or moreFeeding: Diurnal; small fish, crustaceans,molluscs, sea urchinsSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Handline, spear, poleand line

Hinälea 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 1⁄2 poundHabitat: Very abundant along shallowrocky shorelines and reef areasFeeding: 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 umbrilatusBlackside 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.Size: Length up to 15 inches; weight gen-erally up to 2 poundsHabitat: Sandy areas at depths of 60 to300 feet, generally within a few hundredyards of the shorelineFeeding: Diurnal; crustaceansSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: HandlineConsidered an excellent food fish.Endemic to Hawaii.

Po‘ouOxycheilinus unifasciatusRingtail wrasse

Description: Color varies with age; at 10inches the fish is plain olive green withwhite saddle near tail; fish 20 inches andover have no white saddle, but show blackspots at base of dorsal and anal fins, andhave dark pelvic fins.Size: Length up to 2 feet; weight general-ly up to 2 poundsHabitat: Reef and rocky areas at depthsof up to 40 or 50 feetFeeding: Diurnal; fish and crustaceansSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Handline, spear

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‘Ama‘ama, puaMugil 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.Size: Length up to 2 feet; weight general-ly up to 5 poundsHabitat: Calm waters close to shore,around mouths of streams and inlets, andbrackish bays and harborsFeeding: 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 breadSeasonality: 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.Size: Length up to 16 inches; weight gen-erally up to 11⁄2 poundsHabitat: Sandy shores, tide pools, rockysurge areasFeeding: Diurnal; seaweed, some crus-taceansSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: NetSeasonality: More common Novemberthrough March

KäküSphyraena barracudaGreat barracuda

Description: Greyish back turning silveryon sides and belly, with irregular blackflecks on sides.Size: Length up to 6 feet; weight general-ly up to 70 poundsHabitat: Various, inshore and offshore;juveniles prefer brackish water areas, baysand stream mouthsFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; fish andsquidSchooling: 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.

Kawale‘äSphyraena helleriHeller'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.Size: Length up to 2 feet; weight general-ly up to 4 poundsHabitat: Inshore to depths of 50 to 200feetFeeding: Nocturnal; small fishSchooling: Large schoolsFishing methods: Mostly handline

Ta‘apeLutjanus kasmiraBluestripe snapper

Description: Bright lemon yellow withfour pale-blue horizontal stripes edgedwith lavender or deep purple.Size: Length up to 15 inches; weight gen-erally up to 11⁄2 poundsHabitat: Hard bottom areas, generally inwaters 40 to over 300 feet deepFeeding: Primarily nocturnal; shrimp andother crustaceans, squid, and small fishSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Generally taken atnight with handlines; some taken in trapsor nets; occasionally by pole and line nearshore and by spearIntroduced 1958 and 1961 fromMarquesas Islands and Society Islands

To‘auLutjanus fulvusBlacktail 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.Size: Length up to 13 inches; weight gen-erally up to 3 poundsHabitat: Inshore, brackish water andaround stream mouths out to waters about40 or 50 feet in depthFeeding: Nocturnal; crustaceans, espe-cially crabs, and small fishSchooling: Solitary or small schoolFishing methods: Handline, pole andline, trap, spearIntroduced 1956 and 1958 from SocietyIslands

MULLET BARRACUDAS NEARSHORE SNAPPERS

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WahanuiAphareus furcaSmalltooth jobfish, gurutsu

Description: Uniform steel blue or pur-plish, with yellow border on anal fin.Size: Length up to 2 feet; weight general-ly up to 2 poundsHabitat: Open water, generally just out-side or above reefFeeding: Diurnal; small fish and crus-taceansSchooling: Solitary or small schoolFishing methods: Pole and line, hand-line, spear

‘AhaBelonidaeNeedlefish

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 poundsHabitat: Near surface in waters of variousdepths from nearshore to open oceanFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; small fishnear the surface, floating crabsSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Pole and lineAha can be dangerous at night; they areattracted to lights and have been known tospear people.

ÄholeholeKuhlia sandvicensisHawaiian flagtail

Description: Silvery, with blue tones onback, fins often dusky tipped.Size: Length up to 12 inches; weight gen-erally up to 1 pound

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 shoreFeeding: Mostly nocturnal; primarily crus-taceansSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, castnets, spearSeasonality: More taken during fall andwinterEndemic to Hawaii

‘Ala‘ihiSargocentron and 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 speciesHabitat: Inshore reef areas, congregatingin crevices and caves by day and foragingover the reef at nightFeeding: Nocturnal; crustaceansSchooling: Solitary or grouped, depend-ing on speciesFishing methods: Spear, handline, poleand line, trap

AwaChanos chanosMilkfish

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 poundsHabitat: Near surface in inshore areas,including brackish-water areas, bays andinletsFeeding: Diurnal; algaeSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, netSeasonality: Generally more taken insummer months

Awa‘auaElops hawaiensisHawaiian tenpounder

Description: Bright silvery, with blue-green hue on the dorsal area.Size: Length up to 3 feet or more; weightgenerally up to 12 poundsHabitat: Inshore areas, including baysand harbors, and along sandy shorelinesFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; small fishand crustaceansSchooling: Singly or in small schoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, net

‘ÄweoweoPriacanthidaeBigeye, 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 3poundsHabitat: Shallow reefs out to deep boul-der areasFeeding: Nocturnal; small fish and inver-tebratesSchooling: Solitary or schoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, hand-line, spear, net

KüpïpïAbudefduf 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.Size: Length up to 9 inches; weight gen-erally up to 1 poundHabitat: Inshore reef and boulder areas;shallow rock crevices; juveniles commonin tide pools

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Feeding: Diurnal; algae, small crus-taceans and other invertebratesSchooling: Solitary or small schoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, spear

MamoAbudefduf abdominalisHawaiian sergeant

Description: Pale brassy or green withfour or five black vertical bars; belly whitewith yellow tinge near anal fin.Size: Length up to 9 inches; weight gen-erally up to 3⁄4 poundHabitat: Shallow water reefs, harbors andbays, from nearshore to edge of reefFeeding: Diurnal; small crustaceans,planktonSchooling: Loose aggregatesFishing methods: Pole and line, spearEndemic to Hawaii

MoiPolydactylus sexfilisSix-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.Size: Length up to 24 inches; weight gen-erally up to 6 poundsHabitat: Generally found in sandy holesalong rocky shorelines, or along sandybeaches in surge areasFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; primarilycrustaceansSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, netSeasonality: Spawn during summermonths; from about May through Augustsmall moi (or moi-li‘i) occur in schoolsalong beaches and in sheltered coves

MuMonotaxis grandoculisBigeye emperor

Description: Olive gray above fading tosilvery below; sides marked with four lightvertical bands which fade as fish getsolder; inside of mouth red.Size: Length up to 30 inches; weight gen-erally up to 5 poundsHabitat: Various reef areas, generallymoving into shallower waters duringeveningFeeding: Nocturnal; small mollusks andcrustaceansSchooling: 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 scalerows; some fish have irregular yellowblotches on sides, and on rare occasionsa fish may be entirely yellow.Size: Length up to 24 inches; weight gen-erally up to 6 poundsHabitat: Rough and turbulent watersalong rocky coastsFeeding: Diurnal; mostly algaeSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Spear, net, pole andline

NohuScorpaenopsis cacopsisScorpionfish

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

Size: Length up to 20 inches or more;weight generally up to 5 poundsHabitat: Outer edges of reef in water over20 feet deepFeeding: Diurnal; small fish and inverte-bratesSchooling: Solitary, sedentaryFishing methods: Spear, pole and line

‘Ö‘iöAlbula 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 poundsHabitat: Sandy bottoms, usually oversand patches or channels in reef areasFeeding: Generally nocturnal; crus-taceans, small fishSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, net,handlineSeasonality: More taken Decemberthrough April

Päki‘iBothus spp.Flounder

Description: Brownish coloration withirregular mottling, lower surface white ortan; coloration changes to match sub-strate.Size: Length up to 16 inches; weight gen-erally up to 4 poundsHabitat: Sandy patches in shallow waterFeeding: Diurnal; crustaceans and smallfishSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Pole and line, spear

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Po‘opa‘aCirrhitus pinnulatusStocky hawkfish

Description: Brownish above fading tolighter below, with white mottlings; bodyand fins have red spots; head bluish whitewith brownish orange markings. Size: Length up to 10 inches; weight gen-erally up to 11⁄2 poundsHabitat: Hides in crevices during the day;at night found in turbulent waters of surgezones, often on large rocks or coral headsFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; small fishand crustaceansSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Pole and line, spear

PuhiGymnothorax spp.Moray eel

Description: Coloration varies withspecies; generally brown (darker towardposterior) 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 70poundsHabitat: Crevices and holes in rocky orreef areas; rarely exposed, except forheadFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; fish andcrustaceansSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Spear, pole and line,trap

Puhi ühäConger 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.

Size: Length up to 5 feet; weight general-ly up to 25 poundsHabitat: Crevices and holes in nearshorereef areas by day; moves in open on reefafter darkFeeding: Nocturnal; fish and crustaceansSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Spear, pole and line,trap

RoiCephalopholis argusPeacock grouper

Description: Purple brown with light bluespots; pale vertical bars present towardstail region, fins edged with yellow.Size: Length up to 20 inches; weight gen-erally up to 5 poundsHabitat: Reefs and rocky areas at depthsof about 10 to 40 fathoms, generally nearledges and crevicesFeeding: Diurnal; fishSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Spear, trap, handlineIntroduced 1956 and 1961 from SocietyIslands

UhuScaridaeParrotfish

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 poundsHabitat: Rocky areas and coral reefs,usually more abundant at outer edge ofreefFeeding: Diurnal; algae, crustaceansSchooling: Solitary or small groups; juve-niles tend to schoolFishing methods: Spear, net

‘UpäpaluApogon 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 1⁄4 poundHabitat: Nearshore caves and crevicesFeeding: Nocturnal; small crustaceansSchooling: Solitary when feedingFishing methods: Pole and line

`Ü`üMyripristis spp.Soldierfish, menpachi

Description: Bright red by day, lowersides become silvery at night.Size: Length up to 14 inches; weight gen-erally up to 1 poundHabitat: Inshore reef areas, congregatingin caves and crevices during the dayFeeding: Nocturnal; plankton, crusta-ceansSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Spear, handline, net,trapSeasonality: 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, halalüSelar crumenophthalmusBigeye scad, aji

Description: Silvery blue above fading tosilvery white below, yellow tail fin; verylarge eyes.Size: Length up to 15 inches; weight gen-erally up to 2 poundsHabitat: Mid- or surface waters alongcoast, or shallow banks near shoreFeeding: 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 lineSeasonality: Spawn from about Marchthrough October, at which time they formlarge schools in shallow water; halalucommon about July to DecemberAn excellent food fish.

KahalaSeriola 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.Size: Length up to 6 feet; weight general-ly up to 120 poundsHabitat: Deeper coastal waters, typically60 to 600 feet or more; lives near bottom;young often found around floating objectsat seaFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; fish andsquidSchooling: 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 bipinnulatusRainbow runner

Description: Dark blue above followed insuccession down side by light blue stripe,yellow stripe, another light blue stripe; yel-lowing silver below, yellow fins.Size: Length up to 4 feet; weight general-ly up to 10 poundsHabitat: Open water, usually near sur-face; may be found with other fish aroundfloating objectsFeeding: Diurnal; fish and squidSchooling: Solitary or small schoolFishing methods: Trolling with smalllures or baits, by handline, or from shorewith baitcasting gearConsidered an excellent food fish.

LaiScomberoides lysanLeatherback

Description: Slate blue above, fading tosilvery below; fins may have yellowishtinge; leathery skin with small needle-likescales.Size: Length up to 2 feet; weight general-ly up to 2 poundsHabitat: Inshore coastal waters, shelteredbays and harbors, brackish water areasnear mouths of streamsFeeding: Diurnal; smaller schooling fish-es, especially mullet and nehu, crus-taceansSchooling: Schools near the surfaceFishing methods: Often caught by shoreanglers casting bait or lures for youngjacks; also by net; should be handledcarefully because of sharp anal spinesNot widely sought after for food; skin isvalued for making trolling lures.

‘ÖpeluDecapterus macarellusMackerel scad

Description: Bluish or greenish yellowabove fading to silvery white below, darkspot on upper part of gill cover.Size: Length up to 20 inches; weight gen-erally up to 2 poundsHabitat: Near coast in surface and mid-water; juveniles school far out at seaFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; plankton,especially small crustaceansSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Caught by handline atnight, and with special lift nets during thedaySeasonality: Spawns from about Marchto the middle of August; juveniles entercoastal areas in late fall and winterConsidered an excellent food fish; alsopopular as bait and live chum for largetuna, marlin, and other predators.

OmakaAtule mateYellowtail 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 3⁄4 poundHabitat: Protected bays and estuaries;juveniles very abundant in fall aroundfloating objects, especially jellyfish; notfound in open seaFeeding: Diurnal; plankton, mostly smallfish and crustaceansSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Mostly taken with lighttackle from shore and piers; occasionallytaken with netSeasonality: More common March toOctoberConsidered 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 päpio, 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 ignobilisWhite ulua, giant trevally

Description: Pale olive above with green-ish tinge around head, white sides, yellowanal 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 poundsHabitat: Papio caught near shore, adultfish found over nearshore reefs; often hid-ing in caves during the dayFeeding: Nocturnal, but occasionallycaught by day; fish, octopus, crustaceansSchooling: School; when large (over 30pounds) generally solitary or in pairsFishing methods: Casting from rockyshores and ledges; handline, trap, spearSeasonality: Young common in summer,adults common year roundAn excellent food fish, the white ulua iswidely considered to be the ultimateshoreline gamefish.

Ulua lä‘uliCaranx lugubrisBlack 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 ledgesSeasonality: 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 dorsaland anal fins; as fish gets older bodybecomes more elongate, and filamentsbegin to disappear.Size: Length up to 40 inches; weight gen-erally up to 40 poundsHabitat: Juveniles often found in harborsand other sheltered waters, upon reachingmaturity move to deeper and more openwater, often taken from depths of 60 to200 feetFeeding: Diurnal; mostly crustaceansSchooling: Solitary or small schoolFishing methods: Handline

UluaUraspis helvolaCottonmouth 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.Size: Length up to 20 inches; weight gen-erally up to 3 poundsHabitat: Dropoff areas, generally 100 to200 feetFeeding: Nocturnal; small fish and crus-taceansSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Handline

Pake uluaCaranx sexfasciatusBigeye 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 poundsHabitat: Young fish found in brackishwater areas out to deeper coastal waters;adult fish live along rocky shores in turbu-lent water over reefsFeeding: Nocturnal; fish and crustaceansSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Handline; juvenilestaken with pole and lineSeasonality: More abundant spring tomid-summer

‘ÖmiluCaranx 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.Size: Length up to 3 feet; weight general-ly up to 20 poundsHabitat: 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 dayFeeding: Mostly diurnal; small fishSchooling: Solitary or small groupsFishing 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 pa‘opa‘oGnathanodon speciosusGolden trevally

Description: Creamy yellow with silveryand bluish hues, marked by series of 8 to12 darker greenish vertical bands; jaws ofadults contain no teeth.Size: Length up to 3 feet; weight general-ly up to 10 poundsHabitat: Generally found in sandy chan-nels and bars close to shoreFeeding: Uncertain; fish and crustaceansSchooling: Small schoolsFishing methods: Pole and line, netSeasonality: Uncommon year round

UluaCarangoides orthogrammusYellowspot 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-taceansSchooling: 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.

Size: Length up to 4 feet; weight general-ly up to 40 poundsHabitat: Bays and coastal watersFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; fish,crustaceans and octopusSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Handline

‘AhiThunnus albacaresYellowfin 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 poundsHabitat: Open water, generally found overdeepwater banks and submarine ledgeareas at depths to 1000 fathoms; youngfish often travel near the surfaceFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; fish,squid and crustaceansSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Longline, pole and line,trolling, handlineSeasonality: 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 poundsHabitat: Open water, generally stayingbelow 60 fathoms during the day, thenmoves close to surface by nightFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; fish,squid and crustaceansSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Longline, handlineSeasonality: More abundant during sum-mer months

‘Ahi po‘o nuiThunnus obesusBigeye 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 300poundsHabitat: Open water, generally stayingbelow 60 to 70 fathoms by day, then mov-ing closer to surface by nightFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; fish,squid and crustaceansSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Handline, longlineSeasonality: More abundant late fallthrough late spring

AkuKatsuwonus pelamisSkipjack 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 yearHabitat: Generally found in waters 100fathoms and deeperFeeding: Diurnal; fish, squid and crus-taceansSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Pole and line (akuboat type), trollingSeasonality: Taken year round, but mostcommon during spring and summer

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KawakawaEuthynnus affinisWavyback 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 poundsHabitat: Open water, but somewhat closeto shoreline, generally in depths less than100 fathoms; often found over dropoffs, orin association with aku; young may enterbays and harborsFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; smallfish, squid and crustaceansSchooling: SchoolsFishing methods: Trolling, pole and lineSeasonality: Present throughout year,but most abundant during summer whenthe fish come fairly close to shore in largeschools

OnoAcanthocybium solanderiWahoo

Description: Dark blue above fading tosilver below, with about 30 purplish-grayvertical bars on sides that flash bright bluewhen the fish is fighting a hook.Size: Weight up to 100 pounds, average30 to 40 poundsHabitat: Roams the surface waters of theopen sea, usually over deep-sea ledges;often found near floating logs and otherobjectsFeeding: Diurnal; fish, squid and crus-taceansSchooling: 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.

A‘uTetrapterus audaxStriped 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

A‘uMakaira 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 takenHabitat: Generally taken over bank areaswhere baitfish are abundant, and over off-shore ledges where bottom drops off from100 to 1000 fathoms or moreFeeding: Diurnal; mainly aku and othertunasSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Trolling, longlineSeasonality: Most abundant during sum-mer

A‘uMakaira indicaBlack 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 1800poundsHabitat: PelagicFeeding: Diurnal; fish and squidSchooling: SolitaryFishing methods: Trolling, longline

A‘uTetrapterus angustirostrisShortbill 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 poundsHabitat: PelagicFeeding: Diurnal; squid and small fishSchooling: Solitary or small schoolsFishing methods: Trolling, longlineSeasonality: Most abundant during win-ter and early spring

A‘u kuXiphias gladiusBroadbill 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 1000poundsHabitat: PelagicFeeding: Nocturnal; fish and squid

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Schooling: Solitary or in pairsFishing methods: Longline, handline

A‘u lepeIstiophorus platypterusSailfish

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 50poundsHabitat: Generally near submergedshoals fairly close to shoreFeeding: Diurnal; small fish and squidSchooling: Usually solitary; may occur insmall schoolsFishing methods: Trolling, longlineSeasonality: Uncommon year round

MahimahiCoryphaena hippurusDorado

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 poundsHabitat: Open ocean, often seen close tosurface near schools of flyingfish, oraround floating objectsFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; squidand small fish, especially flyingfishSchooling: SchoolFishing methods: Trolling, handline,longlineSeasonality: 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 sieboldiiKalikali, 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.Size: Length up to 2 feet; weight general-ly up to 4 poundsHabitat: Deep waters, usually 80 to 120fathomsFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; fish,squid and crustaceansSchooling: SchoolFishing methods: HandlineSeasonality: Most caught during late falland winter

LeheAphareus rutilansLehi, 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 poundsHabitat: Deep waters, usually around 100fathomsFeeding: Diurnal and nocturnal; fish,squid and crustaceansSchooling: SchoolFishing methods: HandlineSeasonality: Most caught during late falland winter

‘OpakapakaPristipomoides filamentosusPink snapper

Description: Light violet brown abovefading to dusky white below; pectoral finsyellowish.Size: Length up to 3 feet; weight general-ly up to 18 poundsHabitat: Deep waters, usually 40 to 100fathoms; most abundant over rocky bottomdropoffsFeeding: Diurnal and noctunal; fish, squidand sea cucumbersSchooling: SchoolFishing methods: HandlineSeasonality: Most caught during wintermonths

UkikikiPristipomoides zonatusBrigham's snapper, gindai

Description: Pinkish red with four widevertical yellow bands; dorsal, pectoral andcaudal fins yellow.Size: Length up to 20 inches or more;weight generally up to 4 poundsHabitat: Deep water, usually 60 to 100fathomsFeeding: Diurnal; fish, squid and crus-taceansSchooling: Solitary or small schoolsFishing methods: Handline

UkuAprion virescensGray 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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FRESHWATERSPORTFISH (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 shoreFeeding: Generally nocturnal; fish, squidand crustaceansSchooling: Solitary or small groups; largeaggregates when spawningFishing methods: Handline, spearSeasonality: Most caught during latespring and early summer when spawning

‘Ula‘ulaEtelis carbunculus‘Ehu, red snapper

Description: Red above fading to silverypink below; interior of mouth is pink.Size: Weight generally up to 9 poundsHabitat: Deep waters, usually 100 to 150fathomsFeeding: Generally diurnal; fish, squidand crustaceansSchooling: AggregatesFishing methods: HandlineSeasonality: Most caught during winter

‘Ula‘ula koa‘eEtelis coruscansLongtail 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 fathomsFeeding: Generally diurnal; fish, squidand crustaceansSchooling: SchoolFishing methods: HandlineSeasonality: Most caught during winter

Hapu‘uEpinephelus quernusSeale's grouper

Description: Dark purplish brown withsmall white spots; spots become less dis-tinct as fish grows larger.Size: Length up to 4 feet; weight general-ly up to 50 poundsHabitat: Deep water, generally 50 to over120 fathomsFeeding: 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 inHawaii; 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; jawdoes 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 nestin 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 CatfishIctalurus 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 theyoung.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.Introduced to Hawaii in 1958.

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 insectsand 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.Introduced to Hawaii in 1920.

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.Introduced to Hawaii in 1957.

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.Introduced to Hawaii in 1951.

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 feetdeep; 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.Introduced to Hawaii in 1946.

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.