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There are probably more than 240 different species of fish that are found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This is roughly half the total number of species that are found in the Main Hawaiian Islands. Researchers believe this lower diversity is due to the smaller size of the islands and their surrounding reefs, cooler water temperatures, and a more limited variety of habitats to occupy.
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The NWHI are home to an interesting behavior by some of the top predators in the ecosystem. While fledgling albatrosses are learning to fly in the summer months, the NWHI are visited by large numbers of Tiger Sharks. The sharks feed on the birds who can't stay aloft.
Many fish in the NWHI have been tested for ciguatera poisoning and some of the top predator fish are considered to be toxic. Ciguatera poisoning occurs when fish feed on certain types of algae that live in coral reef systems. As smaller fish are eaten by larger ones, the toxins gradually become concentrated in the muscles of the fishes at the top of the food chain.
Fish Links
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Photos by Richard Pyle
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