Beach Morning Glory
It is reputed to have great medicinal value and is found on the edge of sandy beaches.
photo by Mila Zinkova taken in Kona
The Moorish Idol, Zanclus cornutus, called Kinikihi in Hawaiian, stands out in contrasting bands of black, white and yellow. They have relatively small fins so they prefer shallow reef waters and lagoons. Like the butterfly fishes, Moorish Idols mate for life. They often school as juveniles. Adult males tend to be aggressive toward one another.
They grow up to eight inches in length and are not long lived in captivity although they are popular aquarium fish.
The Moors in Africa believe them to be fish of happiness and with their colorful bodies and graceful patterns you can see why they bring a smile.
photo by Forest and Kim Starr
This bird is frequently observed on the ocean cliffs of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is a seabird in the tern family. It is 14″ with a wingspan of 28″.
Its voice is similar to that of the Brown Noddy but higher pitched and less piercing. The Noio build substantial nests from the wood of the naupaka or ironwood trees and rarely feeds far from its nesting island.
