This is the Melichthys vidua or the Pinktail Triggerfish
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In Hawaiian, this is the Humuhumu hi ʻ u kole or the Pinktail Triggerfish also known scientifically as Melichthys vidua.
We, at Ocean Project Maui, like to call it the Rocket Fish. That is because, one, the pink tail looks like a rocket blasting off, and two, they can also swim really fast….LOL.
Triggerfish have 2 dorsal spines.
These spines are hidden inside their dorsal fin, which they raise and lower. They do this to scare away predators, often times while guarding their nests, in order to appear larger. If they retreat, they can use that spine to lock themselves into a hole/crevice making them difficult to access by predators. If you look at the photo above, you will see the trigger bone raised in the first dorsal fin. It looks as though this triggerfish is retreating into a hole.
Triggerfish have tough skin, large scales, high-set eyes, and strong jaws/mouths.
They can be carnivorous, feeding on crustaceans, echinoderms, coral, and molluscs. Others will eat just plankton. They are beautiful to watch swim. They swim by oscillating their top and bottom or dorsal and anal fins. This allows them to maneuver easily into small and tight spaces. The dorsal and anal fins are clear to whitish and lined in black. They tend to be solitary in nature.
If you catch a glimpse of them swimming by it is easy to see why we call it a “rocket fish”.
The image above was taken during a Private Ocean Project Maui Snorkel Tour.
This colorful image was taken off a West Maui Beach by the dedicated staff of Ocean Project Maui. They offer custom, private snorkel tours around the island of Maui, Hawaii. Each #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN image you see in our monthly blog, was captured during a private guided snorkel tour. These amazing images, as well as images above and below the water of the clients/supporters are included in every tour at no additional cost.
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