Uhu

Folks might get tired of seeing dead fish pictures, but I have to show off this nice uhu I shot with my speargun off the Kona Coast a couple of weekends ago. It's the nicest uhu I have ever shot and these fish are pretty wise to divers so they're not easy to get.
I dove down to make my move on the fish and he started moving away, but my husband helped herd him back toward my direction. So I placed a rock between me and where I hoped the fish would swim so he wouldn't see me, and when the uhu came around the other side of that rock I shot him. We ate half of it for dinner and the other half is in the freezer.
Someone asked me if I am sure the fish is a "he" and I am sure. Only "super males" get this color. From what I understand, super males have a harem of red female uhus, and when the super male dies, the alpha female changes gender and becomes the new super male. I think it's more complicated than that, I don't quite understand the details. But you can read all about it in the best Hawaii fish book I have ever seen, Hawaiian Reef Fishes by John P. Hoover.
I really enjoy diving, we go about once a month and pretty much always bring home something to eat. I love seeing all the different critters in the ocean, learning to hold my breath longer and improving my skills as an underwater hunter. It's a great way to spend a Saturday.