#COLORSOFTHEOCEAN_62
You are looking at the Hawaiian White Spotted Toby. The Hawaiian name is manō. The Scientific name is Canthigaster jactator.
It is a tiny fish that grows up to 4 inches. They can be found only in Hawaii and along the shallow reef. They are in the puffer fish family. The body is distinct with its elongated snout, black/brown/tan body with white spots all over the body, and it’s pretty green eyes. You can typically see these tobies in pairs. Often active in the daytime, moving in and out of the coral. Usually feeding on sponges or algae.
They have the ability to inflate up to 2x their size. This is a defense mechanism for the small fish.
These tobies will nip at other fish and leave perfect little bite sized cookie bites along their edges. We often see them nip at sea turtles and annoy them, and can now understand why.
Fun fact, the toby produces a natural sunscreen in the mucus covering their skin.
Jill P. Zamzow, a University of Hawaii researcher discovered some spots on the fish after its mucus was wiped off. She found that this mucus has UV blocking capability. It turned out that it has an equivalence of about human SPF 15.
The image above was taken during a Private Ocean Project Maui Snorkel Tour.
This colorful image was taken off a West Maui Beach by the dedicated staff of Ocean Project Maui. They offer custom, private snorkel tours around the island of Maui, Hawaii. Each #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN image you see in our monthly blog, was captured during a private guided snorkel tour. These amazing images, as well as images above and below the water of the clients/supporters are included in every tour at no additional cost.
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