This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 at 11:17 pm and is filed under Information, Snorkeling, Snuba. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Photo Courtesy Dr. Jack Randall
There may not be a ‘doctor’ but there are plenty of surgeonfish! In Hawaiian waters, there are currently known to researchers 24 species of these very interesting fish. These animals are so named because of the ’scalpel’ sharp spines near the base of their bodies where the tails begin. They are able to slash at anyone, or thing, that comes too close by giving a rapid sidesweep of their tails. Unicornfish, like the bluespine males in the picture, are so named because of the projection growing off their foreheads. Males have a more pronounced horn than females, but both sexes have them. With unicornfish, males can be easily identified by the trailing threads growing off the tips of their tails. What is up with the horn, you may wonder? Although some researchers are still undecided, others say the horn is used with aggression by the males, possibly during mating time. Maturity happens when they are 4 years or older. Whatever the usage, some fish have amazingly long horns, which can grow longer than 1/2 foot! Some of the fish in this family also have venomous spines in the pelvic fins, anal fins and second dorsal. Surgeonfish are also reported to have ciguatera. Not the best fish to catch for lunch!
When snorkeling one may observe these fish grazing on seaweed, which is their main dietary choice, while others may choose zooplankton and some will ingest sand to aid with digestion. As always, when enjoying snorkeling, SNUBA, or SCUBA, most are aware that fish feeding is never to be done, but if anyone around you chooses to ignore this rule it is alright to ask them to stop. The animals are wild, do not need our offerings– no matter how well intentioned– and because of the very well equipped surgeonfish, it is also for our safety. The wildlife belong to us all, so do speak up. Grab your gear, camera and observe what Hawaii’s reefs have to offer us. These fish are not always shy and watching them graze on seaweed is such a delightful experience.
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Is There A Doctor In The Reef? | Maui Snorkeling Trips…
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