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Ammodytoides
pylei
Randall,
Ida & Earle, 1994
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| Common Name: Pyle's Sandlance Distribution: Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands |
| Remarks: This recently described species lives out over sandy areas, far from coral reefs. It was originally discovered at a depth of 25 feet off the west side of O'ahu, but has also been seen off Kaua‘i. It forms tight schools of several hundered individuals, which are constantly swimming at a relatively high rate of speed. At night, or when threatened by a predator, it dives straight into the sand for protection. It was named in honor of Richard Pyle, of Bishop Museum's Ichthyology collection. |
| Photo © 1997 by Richard L. Pyle This page last revised 12 June 1997 |