78
Distribution: In Hawaii found on the
islands of Kauai and Oahu.
Habitat: Occur primarily in reservoirs in
Hawaii.
Feeding: Feeds primarily on small fish,
crustaceans, clams and snails.
Life history: Spawning occurs in late
spring; eggs are laid in jelly-like masses in
holes and crevices, and guarded by the
male; hatching occurs after about a week,
and the male continues to guard the
young.
Fishing methods: Crankbaits or large
spinnerbaits are the most effective lures; a
catfish weighing 51 pounds (unofficially)
was taken from the Wahiawa Reservoir on
a spoon; other baits include tilapia, cray-
fish, aku belly, liver and various stinkbaits.
Introduced to Hawaii in 1958.
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Description: Bluish or olive green above
fading to silvery below, with broad pink lat-
eral stripe; back, sides, dorsal and caudal
fins marked with small dark spots.
Size: Generally under 3 pounds, but have
unofficially reached 8 pounds in Hawaii;
state record 5 lbs 10 oz (1991); world
record 42 lbs 3 oz (1970, Alaska).
Distribution: In Hawaii found on the
islands of Kauai and Hawaii.
Habitat: Prefers cold water streams with
moderate flow.
Feeding: Young feed on small insects
and crustaceans; adults feed on fish eggs,
minnows and other small fish (including
other trout).
Life history: Limited spawning occurs in
Hawaii because water temperatures are
too high; what spawning does occur takes
place from about November to February;
annual stockings of the Kokee region on
Kauai are accomplished with eggs from
California, hatched and raised at Sand
Island, Oahu.
Fishing methods: Small spinners or flies
are effective lures; salmon eggs are used
with good success.
Introduced to Hawaii in 1920.
Tucunare
Cichla ocellaris
Description: Yellow with a green back
and white abdomen; vertical bars along
sides; during spawning season yellow
color intensifies, and males develop a
large hump above the head; prominent
black spot on caudal fin.
Size: Weight averages about 2 to 3
pounds; state record 9 lbs 4.2 oz (1990);
world record 27 lbs (1994, Brazil)
Distribution: In Hawaii found on the
islands of Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii.
Habitat: Generally found in the larger
reservoirs of the state.
Feeding: Feeds exclusively on small fish,
especially threadfin shad, mosquito fish,
tilapia and bluegill.
Life history: Spawning in Hawaii occurs
from about March to September; eggs are
laid on rocks or other hard objects and
guarded by one or both parents; hatching
takes place within four days, and parents
guard the young; presence of at least one
parent is essential for survival of young, so
fishermen are urged not to disturb spawn-
ing fish which are often visible near shore.
Fishing methods: Lures include jigs and
torpedo-shaped lures that resemble min-
nows; the only effective live bait is mosqui-
tofish, mollies or tilapia.
Introduced to Hawaii in 1957.
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Description: Brightly colored with irregu-
lar red markings on a dark brown body;
prominent black spot surrounded by red
ring at base of caudal fin.
Size: Weight reaches 3 pounds or more;
state record 2 lbs 6 oz (1976).
Distribution: In Hawaii found on the
island of Oahu.
Habitat: Prefers quiet shallow water.
Feeding: Feeds on small fish, crayfish,
worms and insect larvae.
Life history: Spawning in Hawaii occurs
from about March to September; oscar
pairs excavate a circular nest in shallow
water, where eggs are deposited; both
parents guard the nest.
Fishing methods: Minnow-like lures are
effective; live baits include worms, crayfish
and mosquitofish.
Introduced to Hawaii in 1951.
Bluegill Sunfish
Lepomis macrochirus
Description: Coloration varies somewhat
with sex and age, generally olive green
above with blue or purplish sheen along
sides; breeding males may have more
blue and orange on sides; faint vertical
bars along sides; opercular flap is dark
blue or black, and prominent dark blotch is
present at posterior base of dorsal fin.
Size: Generally 4 to 6 inches in length,
may reach 14 inches; state record 8 oz
(2000); world record 4 lb 12 oz (1950,
Alabama).
Distribution: In Hawaii found on the
islands of Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii.
Habitat: Usually found in lakes, ponds,
reservoirs and sluggish streams, occur pri-
marily in reservoirs in Hawaii; prefer deep
weed beds.
Feeding: Young feed on crustaceans,
insects and worms; adults feed on snails,
small crayfish, insects, worms and small
minnows; feed mostly in early morning and
late afternoon and evening.
Life history: In Hawaii spawning season
occurs in winter and spring; male builds a
circular nest in sandy areas 3 to 6 feet
deep; after fertilizing eggs male chases
female away and guards the nest until fry
disperse.
Fishing methods: Worms are the most
effective live bait; lures include flies and
small spinners.
Introduced to Hawaii in 1946.
Illustrations: National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Les Hata / Hawaii Fishing News,
Division of Aquatic Resources, Waikiki Aquarium
State records as of Feb 2006;
source Hawaii Fishing News.