State Fish of Hawaii Name: Discover the Symbol of Aloha

Are you searching for the name of Hawaii's official state fish? Look no further! The state fish of Hawaii is a beautiful and iconic creature that embodies the spirit of the islands. This article will delve into the name of this majestic fish and uncover its significance as a symbol of Hawaiian culture and heritage. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Hawaii's state fish and its captivating story.
1. **Humuhumunukunukuapua'a**: This incredibly long name translates to "triggerfish with a snout like a pig". The fish is known for its vibrant colors and unique appearance, making it a popular subject in Hawaiian folklore.
2. **Reef Triggerfish**: This is the English name for the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a. It refers to the fish's tendency to trigger a locking mechanism on its dorsal fin when threatened, making it difficult for predators to remove it from its hiding place in coral reefs.
3. **Rhinecanthus Recifer**: This is the scientific name for the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a. It reflects the fish's unique physical characteristics, including its sharp beak and its ability to change color depending on its environment.
4. **ʻOpelu**: This fish, also known as the "mackerel scad", is a popular food source in Hawaii. It is often served as a delicacy and is highly valued for its flavor and nutritional content.
5. **ʻAhi**: This powerful fish, also known as the "yellowfin tuna", is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine. It is known for its fast swimming speed and its ability to migrate long distances.
6. **Opakapaka**: This fish, also known as the "pink snapper", is another popular food source in Hawaii. It is prized for its delicate flavor and its versatility in cooking.
7. **Ulua**: This fish, also known as the "giant trevally", is a large and powerful predator. It is known for its impressive size and its aggressive hunting behavior.
8. **Mahi-Mahi**: This vibrant fish, also known as the "dolphin fish", is prized for its flavorful flesh. It is often featured in Hawaiian dishes and is known for its unique appearance with its colorful stripes and elongated dorsal fin.
9. **Manta Ray**: This massive creature, also known as the "devil fish", is a gentle giant that is often seen gliding through the waters of Hawaii. It is a popular tourist attraction and is known for its incredible wingspan.
10. **Monk Seal**: This endangered marine mammal, also known as the "Hawaiian monk seal", is a symbol of the Hawaiian archipelago. It is known for its unique bark and its distinctive appearance with its short snout and large flippers.
11. **Sea Turtle**: This ancient reptile, also known as the "honu", is a sacred animal in Hawaiian culture. It is known for its longevity and its ability to travel vast distances.
12. **Whale**: These majestic creatures, also known as "kohola", are a symbol of power and grace in Hawaiian culture. They migrate through Hawaiian waters every year, offering a breathtaking spectacle for locals and tourists alike.
13. **Pufferfish**: This unique fish, also known as the "puhi", is known for its ability to inflate its body with water when threatened. It is often found in shallow reef areas and is a popular subject in Hawaiian art.
14. **Moorish Idol**: This strikingly beautiful fish, also known as the "kala", is known for its distinctive black and yellow stripes. It is often seen swimming among the corals of Hawaii and is a popular subject in underwater photography.
15. **Butterflyfish**: These vibrantly colored fish, also known as the "lau'i'e", are known for their graceful movements and their diverse appearances. They are a common sight in Hawaiian reefs and are a popular subject for underwater enthusiasts.
16. **Wrasse**: These colorful fish, also known as the "nani", are known for their diverse appearances and their active role in reef ecosystems. They are often seen cleaning parasites off other fish and are a valuable part of the reef's health.
17. **Surgeonfish**: These fish, also known as the "lau", are known for their sharp spines located near their tails. These spines can be used for defense and are a distinctive feature of this fish group.
18. **Parrotfish**: These colorful fish, also known as the "ʻōʻōʻu", are known for their beak-like teeth that they use to scrape algae off coral reefs. They play an important role in reef health by helping to control the growth of algae.
19. **Shrimp**: These small crustaceans, also known as the "ʻopae", are a common food source in Hawaii. They are often served as a delicacy and are known for their sweet and savory flavor.
20. **Lobster**: These large crustaceans, also known as the "ʻōpae kai", are highly prized for their flavorful flesh. They are a popular food source in Hawaii and are often served as a delicacy.
21. **Crab**: These crustaceans, also known as the "paʻa", are a common sight in Hawaiian waters. They are often found in rocky areas and are a popular food source in Hawaii.
22. **Octopus**: These intelligent cephalopods, also known as the "heʻe", are known for their ability to change color and texture. They are a popular food source in Hawaii and are often featured in local folklore.
23. **Squid**: These cephalopods, also known as the "ʻōʻiliʻili", are known for their swift movements and their ability to bioluminesce. They are a common sight in Hawaiian waters and are a popular food source.
24. **Sea Cucumber**: These invertebrates, also known as the "holothurian", are known for their elongated bodies and their ability to regenerate lost body parts. They play an important role in reef ecosystems by filtering the water and consuming organic matter.
25. **Starfish**: These invertebrates, also known as the "hōkū", are known for their radial symmetry and their ability to regenerate lost arms. They are a common sight in Hawaiian waters and are a popular subject in underwater photography.
26. **Sea Urchin**: These spiny invertebrates, also known as the "kina", are known for their sharp spines and their ability to move slowly across the seabed. They are a common sight in Hawaiian waters and are a popular food source.
27. **Abalone**: These large, edible sea snails, also known as the "ʻopihi", are known for their distinctive shells that are often used for jewelry and other decorative purposes. They are a popular food source in Hawaii and are often found in rocky areas.
28. **Limpet**: These small, edible sea snails, also known as the "ʻopihi liʻiliʻi", are known for their ability to cling tightly to rocks. They are a common sight in Hawaiian waters and are a popular food source.
29. **Coral**: These colonial animals, also known as the "kūkaʻi", are known for their colorful appearance and their vital role in reef ecosystems. They provide shelter and food for a wide variety of marine life and are a popular tourist attraction.
30. **Seaweed**: This diverse group of algae, also known as the "limu", is a common sight in Hawaiian waters. It is used as a food source, a medicine, and a material for crafting.
31. **Sand Dollar**: These flattened sea urchins, also known as the "hōkū liʻiliʻi", are known for their distinctive disc-like shape. They are a common sight on Hawaiian beaches and are often used as decorative items.
32. **Sea Slug**: These colorful invertebrates, also known as the "nudibranch", are known for their bright colors and their diverse appearances. They are a common sight in Hawaiian waters and are a popular subject for underwater photography.
33. **Jellyfish**: These gelatinous animals, also known as the "manō kai", are known for their stinging tentacles and their diverse appearances. They are a common sight in Hawaiian waters and can be a hazard to swimmers.
34. **Sea Snake**: These venomous reptiles, also known as the "honu moana", are known for their ability to breathe underwater. They are a common sight in Hawaiian waters and are a popular subject in underwater photography.
35. **Dolphin**: These playful marine mammals, also known as the "iʻa moana", are known for their intelligence and their ability to jump out of the water. They are a common sight in Hawaiian waters and are a popular tourist attraction.
36. **Porpoise**: These small, toothed whales, also known as the "iʻa moana liʻiliʻi", are known for their sleek bodies and their ability to swim quickly. They are a common sight in Hawaiian waters and are a popular subject for underwater photography.
37. **Shark**: These powerful predators, also known as the "mano", are known for their sharp teeth and their aggressive hunting behavior. They are a common sight in Hawaiian waters and are a popular subject in underwater photography.
38. **Tuna**: These large, fast-swimming fish, also known as the "ʻahi", are known for their muscular bodies and their ability to migrate long distances. They are a popular food source in Hawaii and are a popular subject in sport fishing.
39. **Marlin**: These large, billfish, also known as the "ʻōʻiliʻili", are known for their long, pointed beaks and their ability to leap out of the water. They are a popular subject in sport fishing and are a popular tourist attraction.
40. **Swordfish**: These large, billfish, also known as the "kauaʻi", are known for their long, sword-like beaks and their ability to migrate long distances. They are a popular subject in sport fishing and are a popular tourist attraction.
41. **Sailfish**: These large, billfish, also known as the "ʻōʻiliʻili kahakai", are known for their long, pointed beaks and their distinctive dorsal fin that resembles a sail. They are a popular subject in sport fishing and are a popular tourist attraction.
42. **Barracuda**: These large, predatory fish, also known as the "ʻōʻōʻu", are known for their sharp teeth and their aggressive hunting behavior. They are a common sight in Hawaiian waters and are a popular subject in underwater photography.
43. **Grouper**: These large, bottom-dwelling fish, also known as the "ʻōʻiliʻili kai", are known for their massive size and their ability to change color. They are a popular subject in sport fishing and are a popular food source in Hawaii.
44. **Snapper**: These colorful fish, also known as the "ʻōʻiliʻili", are known for their distinctive appearance with their red scales and their ability to swim quickly. They are a popular subject in sport fishing and are a popular food source in Hawaii.
45. **Jack**: These fast-swimming fish, also known as the "ʻōʻiliʻili", are known for their silver scales and their ability to jump out of the water. They are a popular subject in sport fishing and are a popular food source in Hawaii.