Thursday, October 1, 2009

Fire Dartfish


Copyright 2009 by Barry Fackler

This whimsical little fish is a Fire Dartfish. Betty found this one a few weeks ago when we were diving the north side of Honaunau Bay. These are pretty uncommon in Hawai'i and when we do see them they usually occur in pairs, They have a greatly elongated first dorsal fin which makes them look like a creation of Dr.Seuss. They seem to be highly territorial, hovering just outside their burrow and retreating headlong into it if threatened. The ID books say they reach 3 inches in length but the ones we see are about half that length.                                                                      
                                                                                                          
                                                                                     

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