A few pix

I'm feeling a bit sad about swimming at Hanauma Bay: the reef is not in good shape! Of course, how could it be with thousands of people walking around on it each day?

But I did see some good animals today, octopus among them.

 These teardrop butterfly were a nice surprise.

 As was the Blueline Snapper

Skinny Cornet. I have yet to see the really big ones. Of course, I am so far staying inside the reef. Not sure I'm big water ready quite yet!

 Can you spot the Box Crab? I looks just like a rock, until it moves.

A big Giant Trevally flew through, scaring the other fish. I'd be scared too, if I were a small fish.

 Very happy to see this Horn shell looking well. I haven't seen many shells at all since returning to Oahu.

The Humu again showing its pretty colors, and the spike it can raise on its head.

 Lined Butterfly showed up again today. Can't prove they are the same ones as yesterday, but they are rare enough, at least in my experience, that it seems they are probably the same animals that I saw yesterday. And like other butterfly fishes, they are usually in pairs.

 The lines and thick swath of black along their top sides make them distinctive. That and their size, so big compared to other butterfly fish.

 The male Bird Wrasse flitted through.

And Needlefish:

 For some reason that I couldn't discern, there were about 25 Palani that paraded through, as if they were nervous.

 Another shot of the Picasso Trigger's nice colors.

And a pair of Sailfin Tang. Note how their eye is pretty well hidden with that brown line.

 And in this shot, you see the blue near the spine, I guess serving as a warning. They didn't have their sails raised, but it's quite big when they lift it up.

 Little Sergeant Major

Like ships passing in the night!

Small Trevally

 I call it a white shoulder surgeon; not sure the "real" name!

You see what I mean about the reef: very pale colored with very few healthy looking corals. I also noted that in addition to the trunk fish and rock mover wrasse, I see very few eels. In fact, I don't think I've seen a snowflake moray since I've been back!

Trade-offs

Who knew that moving back to Oahu would mean missing the little Trunk Fish?

I asked one of the other regular swimmers if he sees them; he said no. I also have yet to see a Rockmover Wrasse, although my friend has posted a photo. I haven't seen 'em yet.

I have noted some fish that seem more prevalent here on Oahu, at least in Hanauma Bay: Picasso Trigger Fish. Bird Wrasse. And the amazing Lined Butterfly:

(Note also the Humu pair on the left.) The Lined Butterfly fish are much bigger than the Threadfin Butterfly fish. They have that large body (some say as big as a dinner plate!) and the black large line along their backs.

 Like the other butterfly fishes, they are usually seen in pairs.

They rather swim as if the reef belongs to them. 
Compare to the Threadfin:

We must not forget the stars of the show: he'e!
I snagged pictures of 3 today:

 Above, hiding well in its den, surrounded by rocks. And below, #2 is in there.

 I love it when they peek at me!

 This one eventually relaxed around me and showed more of its body.

 I don't think the Orange Spined Unicorn even saw the octopus!

Look at those spines!
And this is the photo for sale at the Gift Shop. So really, it was the first octopus of the day.....

Other excitement was the big Trevally. A group of 4, I think. But let me know what you think:

 This is the first one I saw. They were hanging together.

 I think there might be 4 in the photo below....one just ahead of the one closest to the camera.

 They do get your attention, even just for their size.

They are totally disinterested in people, though. 

 My friend on Kauai has no idea what a FULL BEACH is! This was pretty early in the day, too.

Abudefduf

 Barred Filefish was hungry.

This was one of the bigger Wana I have seen. It was hiding in a rock.

 This is the Brighteye Chromis with that unusual coloring. Still haven't researched why. 

Cone shell hiding.

 The female Bird Wrasse.

Trevally fishing with Goat fish.

 I like the Picasso Trigger, especially with a bit of light.

 "OH?"

 Needle Fish. Not enough light to really show it.

 Parrot Fish. Loved the coloration.

You can see its spike, too. It can raise it when it feels like it.

 Before the sun came up. You can see rain offshore. Some fell on us, but from the other direction.

 There were a lot of people awaiting the sunrise.

 But it was worth it.

 The Barred Filefish showing its teeth.

I am enjoying the swimming on Oahu, so far. But I wish the reef were in better shape!