A group of Yellow Tangs, Zebrasoma flavescens

Most marine aquarium hobbyists view marine fish from their own homes, local pet stores and aquatic theme parks. Some hobbyists may be fortunate enough to observe marine fish in their natural habitat. I happened to be one of those fortunate people. On May 31, 1997, I took a trip to our 50th state, Hawaii, not only to relax my nerves from life's challenges, but also to snorkel and to photograph some of Maui's most beautiful underwater sites (Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Black Rock).

I was not quite sure of what to expect, but when I dove into the warm Pacific Ocean, I quickly realized that the experience was going to be breath-taking.

My first port of call was Molokini Crater, located approximately one hour, via boat, from Lahaina Harbor. Transportation was provided by the Lahaina Princess, a 35 foot fishing boat. Molokini Crater is a submerged volcano that displays hundreds of tropical fish, graceful rays, octopi, moray eels, and white-tip sharks. Most of the tropical fish reside on the inner circle of Molokini while the larger fish (sharks, octopi, and rays) travel on the backside of the crater. As soon as I jumped into the Pacific, I witnessed hundreds of tropical fish swimming and reviewing my every move.

Chelonia mydas the Green Sea Turtle

Melichthys vidua the Pinktailed Trigger

I immediately swam closer to the reef in order to observe ten large (6 inch) Yellow Tangs eating algae off the reef. A school of Black-Finned Triggerfish (25) followed me thinking I would feed them. As I moved closer to the reef, a variety of tropical fish would appear, Pink-Tailed Triggerfish, Raccoon and Aguria Butterflyfish, Acilles and Convict Tangs, Parrotfish, and Moorish Idols.

Chaetodon lunula, the Raccoon Butterfly Fish, and other friends

The marine fish were large (10 or more inches) and extremely healthy. The Triggerfish would swim towards me, but just far enough to avoid striking distance. After an hour of snorkeling, the water conditions became rough. The trade winds picked up and the ocean began to swell. The fishing boat captain asked everyone to return to the boat in order to relocate to calmer waters. I returned to the boat and was ready for our next location.

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