Kalo--Brown Surgeon Fish

This fish feeds in the shallows close to shore and is so common and unremarkable in color that few pay it any attention. Nonetheless, it is a fascinating animal. 

It varies from dark brown to light grayish brown with a definite lavender tinge, especially on the fins. There are dull orange spots on the head and two dark spots at the base of the tail, one above the other. The tail fin is lunate (crescent-shaped). 

When displaying aggression its upper back and the entire dorsal fin lighten, sometimes becoming distinctly yellow.The species name nigrofuscus means "dark brown." The Hawaiian name refers to a variety of kalo (taro). 

This is the most common fish at Kahalu'u.