Photo Courtesy Katie Grove-Velasquez
The Hawaiian name for this blacktail snapper is to`au. It was introduced to the Hawaiian waters in 1956 from Moorea, according to Dr. Jack Randall. I have spoken with many local fishermen who say that, although this fish is not very abundant, it is a great fish for the table. Other shallow water snappers, like the blue stripe, is often suspect of ciguatera.
The snapper family has large mouths with an oval shaped body and is elongate in form. All of the family is carnivorous and many feed at night on crabs, shrimp, cephalopods, and fish. They can also be very aggressive on the reefs if anyone is feeding fish. I have been bitten by a snapper which was trying to get to floating frozen peas someone was flinging. While having to go in, a piece missing from my skin, I educated the culprit and took the bag with me.
On an interesting note, if undisturbed, the snapper can be very curious of humans, giving the snorkeler a wonderful opportunity to get the best photo. Are you planning on a trip to Maui? For the patient ocean lover, this fish awaits and might even hold still! See you soon.