Unknown Reef Fish

From: icthus@verizon.net
Date: 27 Aug 2003
Time: 22:17:53
Remote Name: lsanca1-ar1-4-3-163-138.lsanca1.dsl-verizon.net

Comments

I would appreciate help in identifying a fish I saw while snorkeling at Shark's Cove on Oahu's north shore. It is definitely one of the most beautiful fish I have ever seen. It is about 8 inches long with a central body similar to a puffer, but with pectoral fins, each about the size of my hand, that make it look almost like a large butterfly. The pectoral fins are gorgeously colored with a purple band on the outer edges. The edges also have about twenty or so spines. My first thought was that it might be a relative of the lionfish, but I saw no extravegant dorsal spines.

I was not able to find the fish in your excellent collection of reef fish photos.

The unknown fish was sitting on the sand in a hole in the reef about 10 feet deep. I dived down to it and waved my hand lightly toward it. It moved a couple of feet and then sat back down on the sand. It stayed in view for about 1/2 hour. When it swam, it moved similarly to a ray, but the edges of the pectorals made a wave-like motion that reminded me of a Spanish Dancer nudibranch.

Sorry I have no picture, but I would really appreciate knowing what it is. A picture would be great as well.

Thanks,

Joe Lawson 909.626.5580