Hawaii State Fish

Humuhumunukunukuapua`a - Hawaiian Trigger Fish

(Rhinecanthus rectangulus)

Adopted in 1985 (Unoffiicial)

In1984/85, the tiny, colorful fish with the long name - humuhumunukunuku apua'a - (Rhinecanthus rectangulus) was selected as the official State Fish of Hawai‘i after a popular vote and the approval of the State Legislature. It was selected after a high-profile campaign to educate the public about the kinds of fish that inhabit Hawaiian waters. The State Fish's official term of office lasted five years, and there was no re-election campaign. The reef triggerfish remains the "unofficial" State Fish of Hawai‘i.

The Wedge-tailed Triggerfish can be recognised by its coloration. It has a diagonal black band from the eye to the anal fin. There is a black wedge-shaped mark on the caudal peduncle. This is preceded by two yellow v-shaped marks (white in juveniles). There are black bands between the eyes and a blue bar across the upper lip.

It is a sturdily-built fish, reaching up to 10 inches in length, with small powerful jaws and sharp, cutting teeth. The reef trigger shares its long Hawaiian name with a close, but less common relative, the lagoon triggerfish

The reef triggerfish is generally found in shallow outer reef habitats, often on surge-swept basalt reefs. It swims close to the bottom, searching for potential food items. It feeds on algae and reef invertebrates, including small crustaceans, worms, brittlestars, sea urchins, and snails. The reef trigger is not easy to approach closely and tends to keep a distance from observers, but its distinctive behavior and appearance make it easy to watch from a distance.
 

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