Snorkel Hawaii - Fantail Filefish

Average Weight/Length

Max length : 18.0 cm TL male/unsexed

Other "Popular" Names for this Fish

Hawaiian Fantail

Location Habitat

Inhabits coral reef areas. Benthopelagic over rock, rubble and sand; juveniles epi- and benthopelagic. Feeds on algae, small benthic invertebrates, and corals

Biology & Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 36-39; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 32 - 36. Head and breast bluish gray, body yellowish or white. Head with irregular, oblique dark lines merging with many closely packed spots on body; region of mouth plus the lips white. Caudal fin red to orange, with a black sub terminal band; soft dorsal and anal fins clear to yellowish. Pelvic rudiment large narrowly attached to blackish posterior margin of ventral flap. Scale spinulation on midbody somewhat longer, finer and more acute than other species; each scale with high transverse ridge; male scale ridge rugosities develop at about 75 mm SL

Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)

Summary of Distribution: Eastern Pacific: throughout the Hawaiian Islands, including the Leeward Group; rare in Johnston Island.

Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

Sport Fishing Techniques

	Drifting Drift fishing allows you to fish over a variety of habitats as your boat drifts with the currents or wind movement. You can drift fish on the bottom or change the depth with a bobber or float. Natural baits work best. But jigs, lures and artificial flies will produce good results, too. You can drift fish on the ocean, as well as ponds, lakes, rivers and streams any time of the day and year..

	Still Fishing The simplest of fishing methods can also be the most effective. Still-fishing is a matter of putting your bait in the water and waiting for a fish to find it. Depending on water depth and what you’re trying to catch, you may want to still-fish near the surface, at a mid-water depth, or right down on the bottom. Using a float, or bobber, makes it easy to fish near the surface, or you can add sinkers to your line to fish deeper. Still fishing is a versatile way to go. You can do it from a pier, a bridge, an anchored boat or from shore. You can still fish on the bottom or off the bottom in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams for a variety of species. And you can still fish during most seasons and during any part of the day. You have to be very patient. You need to wait for the fish to bite. Still fishing is a versatile way to go. You can do it from a pier, a bridge, an anchored boat or from shore. You can still fish on the bottom in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams for a variety of species. .

Picture (Fish)

Fantail Filefish