humuhumu: small triggerfish
nukunuku: with snout like
pua'a: pig
To save space (!) I'll just call it a triggerfish. The reef triggerfish is a native Hawaiian species and is identified by the black bands on its side and the black triangle at the base of its tail.
Reef triggerfish Source: Maui Madness
What an unusual looking fish! This triggerfish has powerful jaws and its sharp teeth are perfectly designed to eat hard-shelled creatures such as mollusks, crabs, sea urchins and sponges. It is also known for making grunting noises that are believed to warn others that predators are near. This may also be why it is compared to a pig.
There are 30 or 40 species of triggerfish. The anterior dorsal fin of a triggerfish has been reduced to three spines which the fish can 'trigger' or raise and lock into place in defense against predators. It can also puff itself up slightly and wedge itself between two rocks or coral. If the triggerfish does both, chances are a predator looking for a quick meal will go away hungry.
The Picasso or lagoon triggerfish has sort of similar markings and is also known as the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a. Confused? Trust me - you're not the only one! This guy looks like it's wearing makeup.
Picasso or lagoon triggerfish Source: Wikipedia
Triggerfish are known as bait stealers and will nibble at bait rather than going for the whole thing. They are NOT known for pleasant dispositions and can get pretty nasty, especially when defender their eggs. That's the main reason it is not considered a good aquarium fish.
I guess I now have two MORE reasons for waiting to visit Hawaii!
Rick and I have seen these snorkeling when we were in the Seychelles. They are beautiful up close and personal!
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