Looking To Identify This Maui Fish

by Marilyn
(California)

Maui Fish I Found at Black Rock

Maui Fish I Found at Black Rock

I wonder if anyone can help me identify this Maui fish. It was hanging around Yellow Tang, but it was much larger, very camouflaged, not afraid of me above it. I cannot find it on any chart, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Comments for Looking To Identify This Maui Fish

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Mar 24, 2017
 We Might Know It...
by: Nicole & Galen

Hi Marilyn, thanks for your question.

We think it probably is a Stareye Parrotfish. It is a bit hard to tell with pictures from the top. But, this fish clearly swims with its pectoral fins, which makes it either a parrotfish or a wrasse, so that at least narrows it down if we are wrong.

Here is a website with some pictures of the Stareye Parrotfish.

Maybe someone else has some more insights?
Mar 24, 2017
 Fish ID
by: Linda

We were in Maui two weeks ago and I saw the same fish...

Happened to run into a biologist dude that was at a display board at a beach park for snorkel day and he thought it was a lizardfish... There are many varieties but if you google lizardfish photos, you will see one that has the same dark and light coloring and fins (from the top).
Mar 29, 2017
 Agree with Nicole & Galen
by: Dave C.

Definitely not a lizardfish, although the photo from the top looking down does make it appear somewhat lizardfish-like. As Nicole & Galen say, it appears to be a parrotfish, but I am not sure of the species.
Apr 03, 2017
 Stareye Parrotfish
by: Mary

I agree - it's a Stareye Parrotfish. We see them quite often on the reef around Maui.
Apr 03, 2017
 Fish ID
by: Shawn

Hi Marilyn, I'm a marine naturalist here in Hawaii and also an avid snorkeler. That fish is indeed a Stareye Parrotfish - initial phase (male or female), to be exact. :)
Apr 18, 2017
 Stareye Parrotfish
by: Marilynn

I had forgotten where I asked the question... and just now happened back by accident! Thanks so much for identifying my fish. I have been labeling my snorkel treasures for several days and now have my mystery fish! Love the name!

I appreciate the time everyone took to respond!

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