SHORTNOSE MANTIS SHRIMP

The SHORTNOSE MANTIS SHRIMP (called aloalo) is a smasher mantis shrimp that burrows in rocky habitats around 80-100 feet.  They’re typically very active in the day and can be spotted peeking out of its burrow hole, or scampering about on a scavenger hunt.  

They’re bright orange and white with a horizontal band going through their eyes, as well as a dark and light spot above and below their eyes.  They tend to be a curious shrimp and don’t normally shy away from divers unlike other mantis shrimp.  

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Yellowbellied Sea Snake

The YELLOWBELLIED SEA SNAKE is the most widespread snake in the world, found on the east coast of Africa all the way to the west coast of America. It lives its whole life in the open ocean and rarely gets close to the shore. 

This snake is purplish/black on too and completely bright yellow on its underside. It has a flattened tail for propulsion in the water, and is either banded or spotted in the same colors as its body. They range from 2-4 feet in length.

There have only been 20 sightings in Hawaii, so it's a very special treat if you're able to find one. Make sure you get photo proof! #scuba #diving #scubadiving #honuhawaiiandiving #oahu #hawaii #itsahonuworld #fishfacts #seasnake

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Cheekspot Scorpionfish

The CHEEKSPOT SCORPIONFISH is a very rare scorpionfish that, when seen, can be spotted anywhere from the shoreline to 100' deep, and is most commonly found around the northwestern Hawaiian islands. There are some species displayed in the Bishop Museum here on Oahu, and they were found around 80'.

 It is a mottled brown color, often with a bright red iris around its black pupil. There is also a prominent dark oval patch near its gills, hence its name.  

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Hawaiian Fantail Filefish

The HAWAIIAN FANTAIL FILEFISH (called o'ili 'uwi 'uwi) is a yellowish white fish covered in dark spots. The fanlike tail is bright orange with a black margin. Their mouth, throat and underside have blue markings, and their dorsal spine is bright yellow. These fish are normally seen in pairs, but they become territorial when other fish come close, and raise their dorsal fins and flutter their bright tail. 

This species varies in abundance from year to year, and are most commonly found near the bottom feeding on algae and small invertebrates when abundance is low. During abundant years, they're often found in open water feeding on plankton, but their coloring becomes pale, and that has shown to be indicative that there will be a mass death imminent, where thousands wash up on shore. In ancient Hawaii, this was said to predict an upcoming death of a chief. 

Their dried bodies were used for boat fuel, however fisherman hated these mass deaths because game fish hunt on the easy meal and become disinterested in the fishermen's bait. When removed from the water, these fish instantly make a small noise, hence the Hawaiian name, which translates to "squeal".

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Desirable Nudibranch

The DESIRABLE NUDIBRANCH, of the family Flabellinidae, is a very tiny nudibranch found in clear waters with moderate currents.  The cerata tips are bright white in hawaiian species, unlike other species around the world that are cream-colored.  

They are armed with stinging capsules obtained second-hand from the food (hydroids) it feeds on.  Its scientific name, exopata, means "much desired" referring to its beautiful appearance.

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Stocky Hawkfish

The STOCKY HAWKFISH (called po'opa'a) is typically found in shallow water perched atop exposed rocky areas or coral.  It will wedge its pectoral fins into cracks in order to stabilize itself during strong currents.  Its body is mottled blues, greens, and reds and has large white blotches along its sides.  The Hawaiian species tend to have more colorful head markings than species in other parts of the world.   

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Bigfin Squid

The BIGFIN SQUID (called muhe'e) is one of the few squid commonly found around coral reefs in shallow waters just offshore.  

They can be seen in small groups, hovering over the coral, resting during the day and feeding at night.  Like all squid, they have 8 arms and 2 longer tentacles, which are normally retracted and hidden.  They use these longer tentacles to reach out and capture prey. 

This squid is unique because of its 2 expanded fins forming an oval, which extends the length of the mantle.  It swims both forward and backwards with these fins, but is able to propel itself backwards much faster.  

They mature in approximately 100 days, and only have a lifespan of 9-10 months.  

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