The Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby is a small pufferfish that’s endemic to Hawaii. Like many small fish, and juveniles of larger fish, they will use the quills of sea urchins to shelter from predators. Not that tobies need too much help. When attacked they inflate themselves like a balloon, making them hard to swallow. In addition, this toby secretes a nasty skin toxin which will deter most predators.
A boat heads along the coast as sunset approaches at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, north of Kailua Kona.
I thought this Gold Dust Dy Gecko looked quite scenic on this railing, surrounded as it was by tropical foliage. It has a sort of purposeful look, but wasn’t doing much of anything while I watched it.
A couple of different views of five palm trees on the South Kohala coast, looking out to sea (above) and along the coast (below).
Hibiscus Clayi is endemic to Hawaii, but is listed as endangered. In the wild, it’s found only in a part of eastern Kauaʻi, but this one was growing at Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. For more information about Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, go to htbg.com.
A Bluestripe Butterflyfish probes for food in the neighborhood of a Collector Urchin.
This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Monthly Color Challenge: Jade.’ See more responses here. I think these photos are in the ballpark.
At the top is a selection of colorful kayaks available for rent on the beach at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay. The one on the left looks jade to me, maybe a couple of others, too.
The middle photo is a sign at a business in Hawi.
Finally, this building in Kapaau, housing L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and other businesses, has some jade as well as a multitude of other colors.
Red Ti leaves provide a splash of contrasting color against a background of tropical greenery.
Graham's Island 