The beauty of Hanauma and the residents that live within are the reasons we snorkel. We haven’t had a fish spotlight in a while, but this month we’re going back to the basics and highlighting one of our favorite Hanauma Bay locals – the surgeonfish!
When it comes to the worldwide surgeonfish population, there are over 80 different species, 25 of which live within Hawaiian waters. While these gorgeous fish are found in a variation of colors, they all have the same basic anatomy. They have two spines, one on each side of their bodies that normally lay flat in tight grooves. When the fish is provoked, or in a time of danger, it will flip its tail to reveal its spines that pop out like tiny knives. Those knives resemble a surgeons’ scalpel, therefore giving them the name “surgeonfish”.
Surgeonfish feed on algae and can usually be found near rocks that receive a lot of filter sunlight. You typically find them in shallow waters of the coral reef, grazing either in small groups or alone. You will rarely fine them in large schools.
Depending on their specific specie, they can grow to be as large as 22 inches, making them some of the easiest fish to spot in the bay. The largest surgeonfish found in the local area is the Yellowfin Surgeonfish. These fish will eat most types of algae available and average a length of 21 inches. They have a light tan body with yellow pectoral fins and markings around the eyes. While their size is substantial, they are more challenging to spot because of their light color and nominal markings.
Another resident of the bay that may be a little easier to see is the Whitespotted Surgeonfish. As their name suggests, they are white and black with white spots that cover nearly two-thirds of their bodies. They are typically found where the surf is crashing, grazing on seaweed. Sometimes their spots act as a type of camouflage to resemble the surrounding bubbling water.It should be to no surprise that we are in love with Hanauma Bay and all that it has to offer. These are just a couple of the many varieties of surgeonfish that can be found at our favorite place in the world. We hope you all get the chance to experience the magic of Hawaii’s underwater paradise, and count on you to come to us to make it happen! Give us a call or book an excursion right here on the site. Aloha!