Discover the Endemic Reef Fish of the Big Island, Hawai’i
The Big Island of Hawai’i is a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an incredible array of marine life. Among many of the species that call these waters home, the endemic reef fish of Hawai’i are particularly special. These unique species are found only in the Hawaiian Islands, making them a must-see for anyone exploring the underwater world of the Big Island. You will likely see many of these on our Super-Raft Kona Snorkel Tour!
Here’s a guide to some of the fascinating endemic reef fish you might encounter while snorkeling around the island.
- Potter’s Angelfish
One of the true endemic species, Potter’s Angelfish is a dazzling sight for snorkelers. This small fish displays a mix of vivid blue and orange-red hues, with intricate patterns that make it stand out on the reef. They are typically found in deeper reef areas but can occasionally be seen in shallower waters, especially in places with abundant coral cover.
Identifying Features:
- Blue and orange-red coloration
- Vertical lines along the body
- Hawaiian Sergeant
The Hawaiian Sergeant, named for the stripes on its body resembling a military insignia, is another endemic species. The fish is often seen swimming in large schools near the surface, making it easy to spot while snorkeling. Its silver body with black vertical stripes creates a striking contrast against the blue water, and it’s commonly found in protected bays and calm waters.
Identifying Features:
- Silver body with five black vertical stripes
- Often seen in large schools
- Hawaiian Gregory
The Hawaiian gregory is a small but territorial damselfish, known for its deep blue coloration with a slight yellowish tinge on the tail and fins. While they may not be as showy as some other reef fish, Hawaiian Gregorys are fascinating to watch as they fiercely defend their territory on the reef. They are usually found in shallow reef areas, where they build nests and guard their eggs.
Identifying Features:
- Deep blue body with yellowish fins
- Small, aggressive behavior
- Bandit Angelfish
A true rarity, the Bandit Angelfish is an endemic species that is highly sought after by snorkelers and divers alike. It has a striking appearance, with a bold black band running across its white body, giving it a distinctive, masked look. This fish is typically found at greater depths, but with luck, you might spot one in deeper snorkeling spots on the Big Island.
Identifying Features:
- Black band across the white body
- Usually found in deeper waters
- Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse
The Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse is another endemic species, known for its important role in the reef ecosystem. These small, slender fish have a vibrant color pattern, with a pinkish body and a black stripe running from the head to the tail. They are often seen at cleaning stations, where they remove parasites from larger fish, making them an essential part of the reef community.
Identifying Features:
- Pinkish body with a black stripe
- Often observed cleaning larger fish
- Yellow Tang
The Yellow Tang is perhaps the most recognizable fish in Hawaii’s reefs. With its bright yellow coloration, it’s hard to miss as it glides gracefully through the coral. While not entirely endemic to Hawai’i, the Yellow Tang is incredibly abundant here, and its presence adds a splash of color to any snorkeling adventure. In fact, the Kona Coast got its nickname, the “Golden Coast”, because the coastline used to be so abundant with these tangs that it would appear golden from above. These herbivorous fish play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the reef by feeding on algae that could otherwise overwhelm the coral.
Identifying Features:
- Bright yellow, disk shaped body
- Sharp spine near the tail
- Milletseed Butterflyfish
This small, bright yellow butterflyfish is common in Hawaiian reefs. Its body is decorated with numerous dark, seed-like spots, giving it its name. It is often seen in schools and feeds on plankton. The Milletseed helps control plankton populations, contributing to the balance of the reef’s food web. It also serves as prey for larger fish, making it an important part of the food chain.
Identifying Features:
- Bright yellow body with small black “millet seeds” spots
- Black bar running vertically through the eye
- Hawaiian Saddle Wrasse
This colorful wrasse is native to Hawaiian waters, often found in shallow reefs and tide pools. It is highly active, constantly foraging for small invertebrates. As a predator of small invertebrates, the Hawaiian Saddle Wrasse helps maintain the population balance of various reef species. It also plays a role in cleaning parasites from other fish.
Identifying Features:
- Reddish-orange to greenish-blue body with a distinct dark “saddle” marking near the back
- Blue head with prominent vertical lines around the face
- Bluestripe Butterflyfish
An elegant butterflyfish with a pale body and vibrant blue stripes, this species is unique to Hawai’i and prefers deeper reef waters. It feeds on coral polyps and small invertebrates. As a coral feeder, the Bluestripe helps regulate coral growth, preventing coral overgrowth, which maintains the structural diversity of the reef. It also supports biodiversity by feeding on small invertebrates.
Identifying Features:
- White body with horizontal blue stripes running from head to tail
- Black spot on the upper portion of the body, near the dorsal fin
- Big LongNose Butterflyfish
Known for its striking appearance, this fish has a long, slender snout used to extract food from crevices. It is commonly found near coral reefs. The Big Longnose plays an important role in cleaning the reef by feeding on small invertebrates and parasites hidden in the coral. This feeding behavior helps maintain coral health and contributes to the overall diversity of reef species.
Identifying Features:
- Extremely long, pointed snout
- Bright yellow body with a black face and a white spot behind the eye
Conclusion
Snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawai’i offers a unique opportunity to encounter some of the world’s most distinctive and beautiful reef fish. The endemic species found here are not only a testament to the island’s rich biodiversity, but also a reminder of the importance of preserving these delicate ecosystems. As you explore the vibrant coral reefs, keep an eye out for these fascinating fish that make Hawaii’s underwater world truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, spotting these endemic species is sure to be a highlight of your adventure.
Looking for places to go snorkeling and find these fish? Check out our post about the top places for snorkeling on the Big Island!