This is another in a series of distraction diaries meant to provide a brief respite from the struggles of the day. Today we go under the surface of the Pacific off the Waianae Coast of Oahu. I hope you enjoy your visit under the waves.
A "flock" of eagle rays soaring of the wreck Mahi
Spotted Eagle Ray
Eagle Rays
Eagle Rays
Humuhumunukunukuapua'a
The Hawaii State Fish. Common name Reef or Rectangular Triggerfish. This is my first decent photo of one of these beauties. The name means triggerfish (humuhumu) with a snout like a pig.
Longnose Butterflyfish or Lauwiliwilinukunuku'oi'oi
"long-nosed fish which flitters around like a Wiliwili leaf" an even longer name than the humuhumu above.
Whitemouth Moray
Green Sea Turtle or Honu
Honu
I didn't realize that this turtle had a piece of net hanging from its mouth until I process the image.
Stocky Hawkfish
Blackside Hawkfish
Spinner Dolphins, mama and baby
Spinner Dolphins
There are a couple of things that stand out here. One is that the mother dolphin has a piece of trash on her fin. They do this on purpose, dragging around pieces of trash, often white plastic bags. They switch between fins and pass them back and forth. It is a game I call Pass the Trash.
The other obvious thing about this shot is that the baby has a huge cookie cutter shark wound. These nasty little sharks take big chunks out of their prey, often after luring them close by acting injured. You can see a photo of their frightening dental work here.
Poor little dolphin.
Spinner Dolphin
That is all for today. Please feel free to post your photos and as always, be good humans.