Discover the Endemic Reef Fish of the Big Island, Hawai’i

Originally published October 14, 2024; updated on July 15, 2025

Hawaii’s vibrant coral reefs are home to some of the most unique fish species on the planet. In fact, about 25% of all fish species found in Hawaiian waters are endemic, meaning they’re found nowhere else in the world! On our Body Glove super-raft snorkeling cruises along the Kona Coast, we’re lucky enough to introduce visitors to these remarkable underwater residents every day.

1. Potter’s Angelfish
2. Hawaiian Sergeant
3. Hawaiian Gregory
4. Bandit Angelfish
5. Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse
6. Yellow Tang
7. Millet-seed Butterflyfish
8. Hawaiian Saddle Wrasse
9. Bluestripe Butterflyfish
10. Big Longnose Butterflyfish

What Makes Hawaiian Fish Unique?

Hawaii’s extreme isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean has created the perfect environment for unique species to evolve. These endemic fish have adapted to Hawaii’s specific conditions over millions of years, developing characteristics that set them apart from their relatives elsewhere.

Many Hawaiian fish species have evolved to fill specific ecological niches, from the reef-dwelling butterflyfish that pluck coral polyps with their specialized mouths to the sleek predators that patrol the deeper waters. This remarkable biodiversity makes Hawaiian reefs extraordinarily special and worthy of protection.

During your Body Glove snorkeling adventure, our experienced naturalists can help you identify these endemic species and share fascinating insights about their evolution and behaviors that you won’t find in any guidebook.

Must-See Big Island Reef Fish

Potter’s Angelfish

Named after the scientist who discovered them, these vibrant orange and blue fish are a true Hawaiian treasure. They’re somewhat shy but incredibly beautiful, often found hovering around coral formations where they feed on algae and small invertebrates. Their brilliant coloration makes them a favorite photography subject for our snorkelers, especially in the crystal-clear waters of Pawai Bay, one of the Big Island’s premier snorkel locations.

Identifying Features:

• Vibrant orange body with electric blue edges on fins
• Vertical blue stripes on sides
• Small, disc-shaped body typical of angelfish
• Usually 5-6 inches in length

Hawaiian Sergeant

With their distinctive black stripes over a silvery body, these fish resemble underwater police officers patrolling the reef. These fish are often seen swimming in large schools near the surface, making it easy to spot while snorkeling. What’s fascinating about Hawaiian Sergeants is their dedicated parenting – males guard nests of eggs laid on bare rock, fiercely chasing away any potential predators (including curious snorkelers!).

Identifying Features:

• Five distinctive black vertical bars on silvery-white body
• Yellow tint on upper body
• Slightly forked tail fin
• Up to 6 inches in length

Hawaiian Gregory

The Hawaiian Gregory is a small but territorial damselfish, known for its deep blue coloration with a slight yellowish tinge on the tail and fins. While they may not be as showy as some other reef fish, these fascinating fish “farm” algae, and vigorously defend their crops.

Identifying Features:

• Silvery-gray body with dark spots
• Yellow-orange accents on the upper body
• Five dark vertical bars (less pronounced than Hawaiian Sergeant)
• Rounded tail fin
• Typically 3-5 inches long

Bandit Angelfish

One of Hawaii’s most striking endemic species, with a bold black band running across its white body, giving it a distinctive, masked look, the Bandit Angelfish is a rare treat to spot on our snorkeling adventures. These elegant fish prefer deeper reef areas, but with luck, you might spot one in deeper snorkeling spots on the Big Island. 

Identifying Features:

• White body with bold black diagonal band across the eye
• Black margins on dorsal and anal fins
• Distinctive black bar on the caudal peduncle (tail base)
• Can grow up to 7 inches in length

Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse

Playing an important role in the reef ecosystem, this striking little fish features a distinctive pink and yellow body with a black stripe that makes it easy to spot. These helpful reef residents set up “cleaning stations” where larger fish come to have parasites removed – nature’s own car wash! You’ll often see them darting in and out of the mouths and gills of larger fish, a symbiotic relationship that benefits both species. During our morning snorkel trips, when fish are most active, we have about an 80% chance of spotting these industrious cleaners at work.

Identifying Features:

• Bright purple body with yellow horizontal stripe
• Black stripe through the eye
• Small, slender body
• Typically 3-4 inches in length

Yellow Tang

The yellow tang is perhaps the most recognizable fish in Hawaii’s reefs. While not entirely endemic to Hawai’i, the yellow tang is incredibly abundant here, and its presence adds a splash of color to any snorkeling adventure. In fact, the Kona Coast got its nickname, the “Golden Coast”, because the coastline used to be so abundant with these tangs that it would appear golden from above. These herbivorous fish play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the reef by feeding on algae that could otherwise overwhelm the coral.

Identifying Features:

• Bright, uniform yellow body
• Slightly oval, compressed shape
• White spine at the base of the tail
• Up to 8 inches in length

Millet-seed Butterflyfish

This small, bright yellow endemic butterflyfish is common in Hawaiian reefs. Its body is decorated with numerous dark, seed-like spots, giving it its name. The millet-seed helps control plankton populations, contributing to the balance of the reef’s food web. It also serves as prey for larger fish, making it an important part of the food chain. These social butterflies of the reef are often spotted in pairs or small groups, flitting between coral heads. During our snorkel tours, these fish often approach snorkelers with apparent curiosity, making them favorites among our younger guests who delight in their friendly nature.

Identifying Features:

• Bright yellow body covered with small black dots
• Black band through the eye
• Pointed snout typical of butterflyfish
• Typically 5-6 inches in length

Hawaiian Saddle Wrasse

This colorful wrasse is native to Hawaiian waters, often found in shallow reefs and tide pools. It is highly active, constantly foraging for small invertebrates. As a predator of small invertebrates, the Hawaiian Saddle Wrasse helps maintain the population balance of various reef species. It also plays a role in cleaning parasites from other fish.

Interestingly, males and females look completely different – the males sport a vibrant blue-green color with a distinctive “saddle” marking, while females are reddish with white bellies. What makes them truly fascinating is their ability to change sex as they grow! Nearly all saddle wrasse begin life as females, with some later transforming into males based on social hierarchy needs. You’re practically guaranteed to spot these curious fish on every Body Glove tour!

Identifying Features:

• Males: Blue-green with distinctive black “saddle” marking
• Females: Reddish-orange with white belly
• Juveniles: Solid red-orange
• Generally 6 inches in length

Bluestripe Butterflyfish

These elegant and vibrant  native fish add a touch of refinement to any snorkeling experience. They prefer deeper reef waters and are particularly prevalent around coral-rich areas where they feed on coral polyps and small invertebrates. Their feeding habits help regulate coral growth and prevent coral overgrowth, which maintains the structural diversity of the reef. 

Identifying Features:

• White body with bold horizontal blue stripes
• Black mask through the eye
• Yellow tail
• Black spot near the tail
• About 5-6 inches in length

Big LongNose Butterflyfish

With their distinctive elongated snouts, these specialized feeders are a fascinating sight. Their unusual anatomy allows them to extract small organisms from tiny crevices in the reef that other fish can’t reach. They’re most commonly spotted along the deeper edges of reefs during our extended snorkel sessions, where they methodically work their way along the coral searching for food.

Identifying Features:

• Long, prominent snout
• White body with diagonal black stripes
• Yellow accents on fins
• Black spot on the rear dorsal fin
• Can grow up to 9 inches in length

Where to Spot These Big Island Fish

Kealakekua Bay: This marine conservation district along the Kona Coast is one of the premier snorkeling destinations in Hawaii. The protected waters host tremendous fish diversity, including many endemic species. 

Pawai Bay: This less-visited gem offers excellent opportunities to observe endemic fish in their natural habitat without the crowds. The healthy coral formations here provide an ideal habitat for species like the Potter’s Angelfish and Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse.

Red Hill: The lava tubes and underwater terrain at Red Hill create unique microhabitats where endemic species thrive. The dramatic underwater landscape offers perfect photography opportunities with endemic fish against volcanic backdrops.

Conservation of Hawaii’s Endemic Marine Life

Hawaii’s endemic fish face challenges from climate change, coral bleaching, and human impacts. As visitors and residents, we all play a role in protecting these unique species. Body Glove Hawaii is committed to sustainable tourism practices that minimize our impact while educating visitors about conservation.

Simple steps like using reef-safe sunscreen (which we provide on all our tours), maintaining a respectful distance from marine life, and never touching or disturbing coral help preserve these delicate ecosystems for future generations.

Experience the Big Island’s Reef Fish with Body Glove

There’s nothing quite like seeing these colorful characters in their natural habitat. On our signature snorkeling cruises, we provide:

• Expert guides who help identify fish species
• High-quality snorkel gear fitted for your comfort
• Reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the marine environment
• On-board amenities including fresh lunch, snacks, and a full-service bar

Ready to discover Hawaii’s unique underwater residents for yourself? Book your Body Glove snorkeling adventure today and experience the wonder of Hawaii’s reef fish in their natural habitat!