This is another one of these photo diaries meant as a small refuge from the strugggles of the day and as a brief reminder that we share this planet with all manner of amazing critters. I hope you enjoy your visit here.
Sea Star Shrimp Periclimenes soror on a Cushion Star Culcita novaguineae
When you turn over these echinoderms you often find these tiny crustaceans. Their color varies to match their host.
We will start with a couple of goatfish.
Manybar Goatfish Parapeneus miltifasciatus
Locally known as Moano.
Whitesaddle Goatfish Parapenuys porphyreus or Kumu
All goatfish are prized for food in Hawai'i but none more than the Kumu. It was highly valued by the ancient Hawai'ians and was used in offerings in place of pig when pig wasn't available. Like pork it was forbidden for women to eat. Because they are heavily hunted it is always a pleasure to see one as they are no longer common.
(Note: My factoids generally come from Hawaiian Reef Fishes and Hawai'i's Sea Creatures by John P. Hoover).
Mackerel Scad Decapterus macarellus Locally known as Opelu
Spotted Eagle Ray Aeobatus narinari
Spotted Puffer Arothron meleagris
Stripebelly Puffer Arothron hispidus
It is illegal to eat this fish, or any puffer, in Hawai'i. They have been responsible for several deaths.
Tiger Snake Moray Scuticaria tigrina
It received its scientific and common names in an age when "tiger" meant any large cat. This eel is a predator of other morays.
Yellowmargin Moray Gymnothorax flavimarginatus
Dwarf Moray Gymnothorax melatremus and Whitemouth Moray Gymnothorax meleagris
Whitemouth Moray Gymnothorax meleagris
Giving a good luck at the reason for the name.
Stout Moray Gymnothhorax eurostus
Sea Star Shrimp Periclimenes soror on a Cushion Star Culcita novaguineae
Marbled Shrimp Saron marmoratus
This one hid away before I could get a really well lit and focused shot. Amazing critters.
Jeweled Anenome Crab Dardanus gemmatus and anenome Calliatis polypus
This hermit crab carries the anenomes on its shell. They are very nervous quick moving crabs and are hard to photograph because the don't want to sit still in the open.
Whitetip or Desirable Nudibranch Flabellina exopata
Leaf Scorpionfish Taenianotus triacanthus
These small, flat, camouflaged critters are pretty hard to spot.
Hawaiian Green Lionfish Dendrochirus barberi
We found two of these endemic lionfish pretty much out in the open which is unusual. They are usually hidden away in the arms of an antler coral during the day. The dorsal spines are venomous.
And now for your bOObies!!
Brown Boobies on the Buoy Sula leucogaster
Such a face!
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Aloha