Po'opa'a--Stocky Hawkfish

Rich saw this fish yesterday. He is the best at spotting fish! Usually finding them and showing me.

He is the largest hawkfish. Average size is 9-11 inches. He has a mottled body with yellow lines on face and red spots on body. 

Hilu piliko'a--Blacksided or Freckled Hawkfish

A common hawkfish here at Kahalu'u. Usually seen perched on lobe coral head.

Will let you get very close before he swims off to another coral head to perch on.

Light to dark brown head and front of body covered with red freckles. Broad black strip on side of body.

Piliko'a--Arc Eye Hawkfish

With eyes that work independently, hawkfish are very good ambush hunters. As bottom dwellers that lack a swim bladder, they prey on small fish and invertebrates. Most species maintain a small territory within which they select 3-4 prime locations to perch and survey the area. The male is very territorial and maintains a harem of females.

Rich has seen these in the past, but today is the first time I got a good look at one. A tri-colored u shaped arc next to the eyes. Sometimes a broad white stripe is visible on the side of the body.