Achilles Tangs are one of those fish that I see often, but rarely photograph because they zip away when my camera is raised. They’re particularly plentiful at Mauna Lani, and last weekend I encountered this one that was a bit slow with its escape.
Threadfin Butterflyfishes are almost always seen in pairs. They are quite common, but not numerous around here.
Boxfishes are little boxes of armor. Their only moving parts are eyes, mouth, and fins! Females are a dark brown covered with white spots. Males are a beautiful blue with white spots only on the back, and some gold highlights. And, despite their somewhat ungainly looking shape, they’re actually excellent swimmers.
I only saw this eel because I passed directly over it. It was lodged in crack and not moving. I waited a while and eventually it backed out and revealed its head and a beady eye looking at me!
I went out!
I saw this Spotted Eagle Ray last weekend and it might be the biggest one I’ve ever seen. The head was huge. Compare it with a photo I posted last month (below) of a juvenile Eagle Ray.
This Flowery Flounder set down to hide, though it had a little trouble blending in with the ridges in the sand.
I saw this Undulated Moray Eel during a recent swim. They’re usually most active at night, but are sometimes seen during the day. This one had striking markings and is possibly a juvenile. They’re not an eel for messing with though, being known for having a rather nasty disposition!
