These outstanding fishes are extremely rare in Hawaii, likely occurring as aquarium releases in the case of Platax pinnatus & P. orbicularis around the main islands, or waifs at Midway Atoll.  They are not uncommon in the Indo-Pacific.

Cargo Pier, Midway Atoll, 25 feet

Found under the Midway Atoll Cargo Pier in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.  First reported by Dr. John Randall in 1980, not seen again until we photographed a pair of adults in June 2009.  Attains at least 17 inches.  Pelvic fins of adults are black.  Sulawesi to Palau, Okinawa & Midway Atoll.

Subadults, Wakatobi, Indonesia, 20 feet

Dumaguete, Philippines

Locally common on coral reefs & dropoffs.  Adults have a dark spot on the belly.  Attains 28 inches.  Red Sea east to Fiji, north to Hokkaido.

Pacific Beach Hotel, Oahu

Locally common on coral reefs & dropoffs.  Slightly protruding snout.  Pelvic fins mostly yellow, dorsal & anal fins edged with black.  Attains 18 inches.  Indo-Pacific except Hawaii.

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