Hawaii Wedding  3/30/07
Bob,
<Scott>
So...this isn't a fish question at all.  I'm getting married in Hawaii in a month or so and I'm trying to plan where to go.  My fiancée and I have spent hours and hours browsing different sights, and talking to a travel agent.  We just want to make sure that we end up someplace we like with great snorkeling, and it's hard to judge the book by its cover so to speak
<Ah, yes... and congratulations>
So you're the only person I know that knows Hawaii, and from what I've read it sounds like you know it pretty well J.  We'd like someplace cute, quiet,
<Not O'ahu>
cliff over the beach
<Kauai>
for the wedding itself (just our parents and siblings there).  For the honeymoon we just want to be somewhere nice, with lots to do,
<Kona>
and amazing snorkeling or diving is key.
<Kona...>
  Our travel agent has recommended Kauai, East Beach for our stay.
<Many nice places, beaches there>
Any suggestions?  I appreciate the input!
<A tough one, but I would go with your agent's advice here... The Big Island you can do for your return/anniversary... There is plenty to do on Kauai... the Napali coast... the diving's not as good, extensive... but is fine for a first time over. Bob Fenner, out on the Big Island currently>
Scott Johnson
Critter Cabana
 

Fish I.D. (A. semipunctatus) 3/17/07 Hi, <Hello.> Thank you for all your information, you all provide a wonderful site. <We love to hear that! You are welcome.> My son caught this fish in a tide pool in Hawaii.   <This is a hint...> I saw the blue spots <Another hint...> and thought it was a baby peacock grouper (Roi).   But now that it is in our aquarium it looks too cheeky, and I've never seen the filament like front fin <Dorsal.> on a Roi. It is about two inches long, and without the flash appears quite black.    <Tell me what you think of this: http://www.hawaiisfishes.com/fishes/neatfish/asterropteryx_semipunctatus.htm (Known as the "blue-spotted" or "half-spot" goby, Asterropteryx semipunctatus) Thanks, Amy <You're welcome, Amy. (By the way, in the future, please attach any pictures instead of inserting them. Thanks, and this is a great pic, too! -GrahamT>

Re: Fish I.D. (A. semipunctatus) update 3/19/07 <Hi Amy.> That is it!   <Excellent!> Thanks so much, and you are so fast to respond!   <...Blows his smoking keyboard off.> I'm glad to find that it'll be staying small.   <Yup.> It is already adjusted and eating, within a day of capture....Should be fun to watch.   <I think you'll find that animals lucky enough to skip the whole industry of fish-knapping and air-travel and box-travel, etc. will be much healthier in the long run.> Seems very predatory.   Also, thanks for the link to Hawaii fishes. <Glad I could help! (I love doing Fish ID) -GrahamT> Amy

Daily Desktop Photo   1/24/07 Hello Bob, Here is a picture of a Longnose Butterflyfish taken in Lagoon 1B at Ko Olina on leeward O'ahu. <Ahh!> I swam with many different types of fish species at Ko Olina... Achilles Tangs, Moorish Idols, many Triggers and Wrasse, etc... I even followed a Porcupine fish for some time that measured about 2 1/2 feet long... also swam right next to a sea turtle. Lobe, Finger, and Cauliflower corals were also spotted several places...although the fish were more abundant then the coral. My second time on O'ahu...even better than the first.  I hope to visit the Kona coast for trip #3. Mahalo. Eric <Oh, am out here now... We have a few properties on the West coast of the Big Island... Do stay in touch and perhaps we can get together back out here. I haul out every few months to pull weeds, visit friends, do a bit of speculating... and we may put up a public aquarium at NELHA. Bob Fenner>

Re: Hawaii Fish   1/20/07 Thank you Mr. Fenner for your time. <Just Bob please> You're right, we know the local exporters that you recommend, Island Marine, Coral fish, etc. <Ahh, some fine folks... I do hope/trust Randy Fernley/Furry Slippers is still in "the life"> We also do business with a few of the 104th street guys, a number of larger pet stores and some international.  Our main concern though, it to broaden our customer base as much as possible so that we don't overburden any specific region with too many rare fish thus forcing them to lower their prices. <A good idea>   We do not want to flood the market with deepwater fish as that would counterproductive.   <Agreed> In the near future we plan on doing deepwater collecting expeditions to the South Pacific and possibly Japan. <Did you catch any of the reports of Forrest Young's group (Dynasty) doing mixed gas collecting off of Manado... in Bunaken... Shades of Richard Pyle's early efforts!> If we come across anything extra cool I'll be sure to e-mail you a picture. <Ahh! Thank you. This will serve to keep potential buyers at all levels interested... and aware of your presence>   I've attached a picture of what we think is a Crosshatch/Bluethroat Hybrid.  I don't think it is a crosshatch female undergoing a sex change to a male as those usually look different.  Please let me know what you think. Aloha, Rufus Kimura www.kaiohi.com <Interesting indeed... Have you shown this to Dr. Randall (at the Bishop Museum?)... I have many fond memories of Xanthichthys (mostly mento) in and about the Islas Revillagigedos decades back, collecting in Mexican waters when this was allowed. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

How do I do this? Moving livestock from HI to the mainland   1/17/06
<Hi Macthew!  Mich here... currently in Hawaii too!>
Hello there, I was wondering if any one could help me.  
<Yep!>
I followed your suggestions on growing my own live rock here in Hawaii and everything has worked out better then I could have hoped.  
<Good to hear!>
My question is that I am getting forced out of the Navy and getting send back to Washington state and was trying to find out the best way of getting my eel back home.  
<There is a way.>
There is a lot of stuff in my tank that I will be giving to a friend but my eel I have grown very attached to and really don't want to part with him.  
<Understandable.>
Any help would be great.
<RMF encourages you to deal with Randy Fernley of Coral Fish Hawai'i in O'ahu... he moves the boxes around for many outbound shipments... He should be able to assist you with this process.>
Coral Fish Hawaii
98-810 Moanalua Road
Aiea  HI  96701 Randy Fernley
808-488-8801  ph
808-487-1167  fx
coralfish@verizon.net
Good luck to you!  -Mich>
Macthew C Dewitt

Re: Nanos, anemones, visiting HI  11/12/06
Thanks for all your help, Bob. I really appreciate it. I'm going to work on a design that would have say a 12 gallon display and a 20 gallon refugium hidden in the stand. Hopefully I can come up with a workable nano-anemone display.
<Mmm, these are challenging at this volume... but can be done>
We're planning a HI trip for January. Debating between Wailea and Kona.
<Really like Kona (am there now), but Wailea is also fabulous>
Any specific suggestions regarding diving companies/instructors?
<Yes... In Kailua, Big Island Divers, Jack's Diving Locker... and Dive Makai... though there are many other excellent services in the industry here>
Never been to
Kona. Have any lodging suggestions?
-Mike
<Mmm, if you have to pay... the (Kona) Seaside is a fave... inexpensive (for the area), right on the main drag (Palani and Ali'i Dr.) and have kitchenettes... which can save you a bundle on meals. A hu'i ho! Bob Fenner>

I have the answer for those wanting a FOWLR system in Hawaii  - 10/25/06
To the crew and the intelligent people that support this site, some info people may be interested in.
I have seen many questions on the site concerning Hawaii State laws.  I have been laboring over the same predicament for months almost years.  I have the answer, it takes a long time but with patience you can LEGALLY have a FOWLR (live rock being the key) in the state of Hawaii.  The laws are very strict in Hawaii, the State has good intentions but unfortunately are a bit misguided in my opinion (I even wrote my thesis on the current laws concerning the harvesting of coral for profit).  Many "amateur" reef aquarists are better read and knowledgeable on the propagation of SPS and LPS than in my opinion than those working for the State.  Yes, that may sound a bit harsh, but true.  
Anyway, enough of that, It is easy to go out and collect rock and corals and throw them in your tank in Hawaii, that is true, but illegal, and if you are like me. I still obey the law.  There (without a scientific permit and appropriate facility) is NO legal way of obtaining corals of any kind (save some "black, pink, and gold corals" with the appropriate permit).  Obtaining permits in the State for other than profit is next to impossible, yes a little hypocritical, but that's the way it is.  Now, here is how you do it.
THIS WILL TAKE AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF WORK, TIME, and PATIENCE..
It is legal to collect rock above the high tide water line, without ANY (not even algae) form of life.  A rock with algae could be a $1000 fine for the first offense.  Now you can see why this will take a while.  So, Collect your rock near the shore, but above the sand (waterline) most abundant on the Northwest side of the island of Oahu (sorry only know about Oahu, other localities/counties may enforce even more strict regulations).  For water use the public access at Sand Island (at the end of Sand Island Access Rd.) has been tested with almost all Salifert kits, and is an incredible source for free! A little high on the salinity side (around 1.029, but that's better than low I guess).  We are allowed, yes legally, to collect one gallon per day of sand and coral rubble seaward of the coastline.  This is how you will get your live sand (go to Bellows AFB or Lanikai beach).
Normally sand collected on the beach isn't a good idea, but it's a little different here than Atlantic City.  Get out there a bit, and it hasn't been touched.  Collect sand first, then when your DSB is establish collect coral rubble, this is the only way to get the coralline to seed your rock. Be sure to collect the sand in the water, yes this is a lot of work, so the sand will seed the rock.  Six months later you WILL have beautiful live rock, and you did it completely legal, then discard the rubble is desired.  I have verified this exact plan through the DLNR and the Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture, and I have done it!  In fact you may print my email if there are any questions concerning legal resources. Nodea717@yahoo.com
Now, if you really want to push your luck, if I remember correctly Zoanthids aren't actually Corals right? Anyway, I am sure you see where I am going with this, you can capture your own inverts as well as fish.  Now go net your fish (as long as the net and arm together do not exceed three feet) and have a gorgeous, completely local FOWLR tank.  P.S. have your local fish store import anything off of the Conditionally accepted list or Restricted B list and have them sell it to you, they already have the permits (stonies and leathers are on the list but they still wont do it!)
Cheers!
Don Williams
<Thanks much for this cogent detailed input Don. Will post/share. Bob Fenner>

WWM... we need you & Snorkeling Questions for the Big Island   6/19/06
Bob:
Hope all is well.
Though I still am working a lot, I try to answer about 1 or more questions a day.  Unlike Reefcentral where
anyone can chime in, I feel more hesitant to give advice on WWM because I know only one person will be
answering the question.  Thus, if it is me, I feel I have to take the extra time to do a really good job of
thoroughly answering the questions because we only get one shot at it and I don't want to give the Crew a bad reputation.
<Don't think you will Roy... haven't done so as yet!>
On another note, yesterday, I found out that I have an opportunity to join other members of my family for a
trip to Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort about 20 miles North of the Kona airport between June 28th and July 5th.
<! Have been there many times... Do take a few walks over to the adjacent Hilton property... to walk the aisles... Many beautiful pieces of art to
view, landscaping to purview... boat and tram to ride! Oh, and you can't help but visit "King's Shops" near the Waikoloa hotel complex... with many
nice retail settings, restaurants... including a fabulous one named... Roy's!>
Right now, my wife and I are trying to see if we can squeeze this trip in with our work schedules.  If
it works out, I was wondering if you could tell me about the snorkeling near by.
<There is a nice lagoon at the Hilton that is worth going to "get used" to the experience as well as a very safe "A" Bay immediate to the South. I
strongly encourage your buying, reading, "The Big Island Revealed" book... for this information, and much much more. Can be had ahead of your trip (I
would)... Do also pick up a copy of "101 Things To Do on the Big Island"... an ad circular (free at the Kaheole Airport) as this also is a brilliant
source of things to do... Lastly, do check out the Net re current goings on... You will likely want to go to Kailua-Kona town at least once (see the
Kona Brewery...), as well as points north... Hawi, Hamakua, Waipio Valley... maybe even the big drive around to Hilo, Kilauea... though... this is
precious little time... and relaxing is very important...>
Since my Boys are still small (7 and 5), I don't think I'll be able to realistically take the time to get certified until they are old enough to do it with me.  Thus, we are all still at the snorkeling stage.
<And the beach period. Do try to get them into the Mauna Lea public parking to go to the sandy beach (not many there)... and the Puako Petroglyph Beds...>
In December, we all went snorkeling in Akumal and Cozumel and had a good time.  My Boys are comfortable in the water.  Are there reefs near the hotel that we can access from the
shore; or, should we plan on going out on a boat.
<Both A Bay and the Hilton Waikaloa property have "some" coral cover... and are very safe for young people...>
Warm regards,
Roy
<Wish I was going to be out there with... to show you about. Am hauling out a bit later (7/21... to visit and do the Volcano Run. Cheers, BobF>

A good move? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwestern_Hawaiian_Islands_National_Monument   6/16/06
Hi Bob,
Do you believe that this will have an effect on the ornamental fish industry, either positive or negative?
Johnny.
<One can only hope that with more "visibility" re the world, that attention will go with this... There are no ornamental organisms currently collected out of this vast area... But, adding "just more civil servants" doesn't attract me at all. BTW, the usual "no sale" to the Bush hoopla here... many people did the ground work, pushed for this legislation years ahead of this dolt. Bob Fenner>

Re: Hawaii fish exporter    4/14/06
Thank you very much. We will try to contact them and we look forward for your help again in the future.
Best wishes,
Myra Ohara
<Welcome my friend. Hope to see you about. Bob Fenner>

Re: BGA Photo, Sea Dwelling Creatures, life  - 04/08/06
Bob,
<Eric>
Great email again as usual.  I would love to hear more about the  Energy Labs project....sounds cool and right up my alley.
<Agreed... exciting to ponder... and do>
Mmmmm...Hawaii in June?  Sounds interesting, although we were on the  big island over the summer and said we would go to Maui next year.  You  never know though.
<Sounds like what my mom used to say when we'd ask for ice cream>
Thanks for the support on the reefcheck logo....I will get you the info...the link is _www.reefcheck.org_ (http://www.reefcheck.org)
<Ah, good. Will place/displace with the moving/deleting of the WMC logo/link>
Let's discuss all this stuff......let me know what's happening in  Kona.
<Will do... the place is booming... HI has the lowest unemployment (benefits) rate in the U.S.... esp. on the Big Island, folks are desperate for workers... much going on there, including (finally) some efforts at relieving traffic congestion on the west side. BobF>
Best regards
Eric

Cleaning Coral Skeletons, 4/6/06
Aloha WWM crew.
Great site you have here.  I actually have two questions
I am hoping you can answer for me.  Question number one:  Can I use the bleach cleaning process on colorful dead coral skeletons without affecting the natural color?  The second question:  I live in Hawaii and here it is illegal to import live coral.  Unfortunately (but understandably), it is also illegal to take any live corals out of the ocean.  Do you guys happen to know of any other way to obtain coral legally for a hobbyist that wants to learn more about it?  Thanks very much, and again GREAT site!
-Mark
<Aloha Mark, Ryan with you today.  I would use a 1/10 Bleach, 9/10 water solution with a brush of sorts on the coral skeletons.  That should do the trick without too much color loss or damage.  As far as the coral situation, I'd give Indo-Pacific Sea Farms a try.  They have an excellent stock of aquacultured soft corals, but I'm not sure if you can purchase without shipping.  Not sure which island they're on, but they're in Hawaii!  Thank you for the kind words, Ryan> <<Are on the Big Island... call Gerald Heslinga re... RMF>>

HI bound... not with cnidarians - 03/12/2006
Bob,
<Yo!>
I am the brother Eric was talking about.  I was just wondering if you could give me some more details of what I can and can not have sent to Hawaii. Could I have my brother send me frags of my favorite corals.. Blue Tort, Pink Milli Chips Acro so on and so forth??  Can he legally send it and can I legally keep it in my tank.
<As far as I'm aware, no cnidarians can enter the state... again, I would check with the DNR here... and not break the law>
I truly understand the reasons for restricting the import of non indigenous species.  I dove on Oahu in Sept on seen a bunch of the green star fish (sorry for the vague name) that supposedly got import from Australia.
<Really? Acanthaster plancii? I thought they were native>
I really want to reset up my tank up but will not do anything illegal.  I want to make sure of the law as I have had so many people tell me so many different things.  Any advice you could give me would be appreciated.
Thanks!!
Ed
<The Dept of Natural Resources is your best source. Bob Fenner>

HI exports, interesting translations 11/3/05
Hello: me gustaria to contact a business of Hawaii (Island Marine Exports )
<<"Hello, I would like (know how) to contact a business in/of Hawaii, Island Marine Exports.">>
<Mmm, you might try: 
Email: hitropfish@hawaii.rr.com  
Island Marine Export Ltd. 
Tel: +1 808 328-1898 
Fax: +1 808 326-2528. 
Ocean Fish of Hawaii 
Tel: +1 808 929-8294>
or to another business that export fish since that pies. 
<<"Or another fish exporter/business to export fish of the same type and species.">>
do not I find this data in it paginates.  pardon by speaking badly the groins. Many thanks
<<"I cannot find the data as it paginates.  Pardon me for speaking through my.. ar**?" Not so translatable.  Marina>>
<I would also search through OFI: http://www.ofish.org/mainpage-banner.asp?aid=9580&gid=4790  

Question Regarding Hawaii and Sand 11/3/05
I plan on collecting some live sand from Oahu for my tank, in accordance with Hawaii law of course (1 gallon per person per day). Thankfully, most of the sand here is of the right composition, with lots of calcium,
<Yes... am sure you've been to the Waikiki aquarium down at Kapiolani... seen the "saltwater wells" they've used for decades... very good water with little work>
but I am not sure where to find sand fine enough to establish a good, nitrogen-cycling deep sand bed.
<Is most everywhere>
I thought I would try Bob on this, since he has some familiarity with Hawaii. I went to Lanikai last weekend, and the beach sand is fantastic, however the live sand in the tidal zone is much more coarse. Any suggestions? 
<I would use this over the fine/r...>
Also, after using your website for several weeks, I finally bought your book yesterday. It will be a great reference to keep around.
Thanks.
Doug Cook
<A hu'i ho! Bob Fenner> 

Diving in Hawaii 10/25/05
Hi,
I have used your question system many times and have always been rewarded. I have yet another question for you. I'm not sure if this is really an appropriate question, since it has nothing to do with keeping a fish tank, but I am taking a trip to Hawaii this June. I was wondering if you or anyone else can tell me which island you would recommend as being the best for diving. 
Hope you can help, and thanks a lot,
Joe Marano
<Sure can proffer an opinion (or three) here. Am out on, and own property on, the Big Island (Hawai'i proper), as. due to its size, there is a large Kona/calm, leeward side... more calm, clear water... Though the other Hawaiian islands have different mixes/preponderances of life, the Big Island is my choice if you only have one... Lots of good dive operators here... I mainly use Big Island Divers (Hi to Norm and crew). Bob Fenner> 

You're in Hawaii and you didn't invite me. 10/11/05
Hello Bob:
You're in Hawaii and you didn't invite me.
<Jeff... do please come out whenever you can... Dana Riddle is on this island and Doug Robbins, friend of Terry Siegel, and Carol and Craig of Ocean Rider... Gerald Heslinga of IPSF (though he never shows up for parties), Bill Stockley of Stockley's aquarium... many other good friends on islands nearby... You are welcome any time>
I'll forgive you this once.
Thanks for your input regarding Polynemus paradiseus. Your your time in Hawaii.
Aloha,
<A hu'i ho! my friend. BobF>
Jeff  

CNN.com - Growing concern for Hawaii's aquarium fish trade - Oct 10, 2005
Bob & Crew,
Thought you would be interested in this and pass it on to the rest of the board!  
http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=viewThis&etMailToID=1295947024&pt=Y  
<Thanks much for this. Randy Fernley/Coral Fish Hawaii is a friend... amazing... more money is spent most minutes murdering other people's citizens... BobF>

Live Rock - can I bring mine to Hawaii?
Okay, here is my dilemma, I am moving to Maui near the end of the year, I have 3 established tanks with live rock - can I ship my rock to myself from California to Maui?
<I don't know... but my guess would be "not legally"... You can/could check with the DLNR there re: http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/Welcome.html.  I suspect there is a fear of "something" getting loose...>
I have been trying to figure out legalities of "importing," as I have already cleared the way for my other pets. If I cannot, I guess I have to find a new home for my rock -- which I hate to do.  Do you have any info or suggestions of how to answer this question?
<Only to contact the State itself>
Thanks!
Brenda Carroll
<Bob Fenner> 

Re: Live Rock - can I bring mine to Hawaii?
Dear Bob Fenner,
Thanks for the lead! By the third phone call, I got the answer - no. Well, at least now, I can plan to sell my rock, coral, and fish (or apply to import the fish!) -- I will just have to start over. 
<Thank you for this report... Hawai'i is a mighty fine place... we own properties and visit there often... but their laws against live rock and cnidarian import, transport through the place are... misplaced IMO>
Thanks for the site - you folks are FABULOUS!
Brenda Carroll
<Welcome. Bob Fenner, whose sister is also named Brenda>

Re: Live Rock - can I bring mine to Hawaii?
Hey Bob, whose sister's name is also Brenda,
<Yes>
I agree with you, that Hawai'i has some mighty strict laws, but I won't complain (much). I called around, found out I can get a permit to harvest my own rock and fish -
<An adventure indeed!>
but I just am not the "hunter" type. I can swim with the fish, buy supplies for the ones who live with me, but taking them from their homes - I'm a hypocrite, but no "kidnapper." I did find one store in Kihei (the first store I called), and they sell rock, so I should be all right.
<Great... and have been diving off of there many times... Tis fabulous>
Thanks again for writing me back.
Brenda Carroll
<Mahalo! Thank you for sharing. Aloha. Bob Fenner>

Stocking a Biotope Tank
Hello again,
<Hi there! Scott F. with the follow up today!>
I suppose I should have given the scientific name for the lion I was looking at. It's the Pterois radiata, but I suppose that will also outgrow a 75 gallon.
<Yep - this is too large a fish to sustain in that sized tank for anything approaching its natural life span>
My LFS said those fish would be fine in there, but I think they might just be trying to get a sale. Another option I was looking into was a biotope for Hawaii or Fiji. What fish would you recommend for either? 
Thanks!
<Wow! That's a tall order to fill. Tons of options! I'm partial to Hawai'i, myself, so I'd work on a biotope of fishes from the Islands. I'd be inclined to choose small, colorful and interesting fishes, such as wrasses and gobies. Look at the Pseudocheilinus species, such as P. octotaenia or P. tetrataenia (the Eightline and Fourline Wrasse, respectively). You could also try some cool gobies and blennies. I like the Firefish, Nemateleotris magnifica, a great little fish. Although rare in Hawai'i, they are present in these waters. If your tank is large enough, you could even consider a smaller Butterflyfish, like the Longnose, Forcipiger flavissimus. Other candidates from both of the regions that you are contemplating are very well covered here on the WWM site. Do some searches and you'll find tons of good info! Good luck! 
Regards, Scott F.>

Save a Pristine Coral Reef Ecosystem
I just used World Wildlife Fund's free Conservation Action Network to push for creation of a strong marine sanctuary to protect one of the last large, intact marine ecosystems in the world. I urge you to take action, too.
<Okay>
Known as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, this ecosystem stretches across more than 1,200 nautical miles northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands, and is a remarkable and remote string of islands, reefs, and atolls. It encompasses up to 70 percent of the coral reefs under United States control, as well as endangered Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles, huge schools of large fish, and myriad bird species.
<Yes>
Although largely untouched, this coral reef ecosystem has suffered from some unsustainable use. Lobster fisheries took more animals than the ecosystem could produce, and the fisheries were closed by court order after the number of lobsters plummeted. Other fisheries caused the accidental deaths of sea turtles and were also closed within 50 nautical miles of the islands.
<And the U.S. military's use, mis-use>
To learn more and take action, go to http://takeaction.worldwildlife.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=20041&ref=3761736 . Thanks!
<Thank you for this. These are some amazing places. Bob Fenner>

Mahalo for Dinner
Aloha Bob,
I'm sorry, I didn't have your email post dinner ,  finally found it on
the web.  Many mahalos for your hospitality, lovely evening.   Next it
is my turn to have you and your wife over for a meal from the Natural
Energy Lab bounty.
All the Best,
Sara Peck, UHSGES, West Hawaii
<Sounds great! Am hauling out for most of October... so maybe we can all get together a few times! Will call you then/thereabouts. Aloha, Bob Fenner>

HI in October
Dear Bob,
<Hey Marty!>
     I called yesterday morning and at mid-dial it dawned on me that you might have already taken off for Hawaii - which obviously was the case!  Anyway, I had a nice chat with Dianna re our pending visit over your way.
<Yep am here... and it is fabulous>
     Since we last talked I've done some checking and come to the realization that we'd end up broke by the end of our visit - if we  stayed at one of the nicer hotels - and also that for the most part, they are quite a distance from your place.  Even the Hilton starts at $330 a night!
<Yeah... sometimes you can get a deal... and there are some quite nice places (my fave, the Seaside, across from the King Kam...) near/in downtown... close to all>
Big Bob (Holly) does have a place they use that might be reasonable (at least for a few days), but they always go on a package, so I'll have to check.  Without going on - it appears that the sane/reasonable thing to do is take you up on your offer and work things out once we figure out who is coming/going/when/where and how!  I'll get a hold of you (Dianna gave me your Hawaii number) and figure things out further.
<Ahh, great. I do think this will work out fine... Angela can likely get more sun than she wants going back and forth... there is a Jacuzzi here, but no pool... and we'll all have a great time sharing each others company.>
     Hope your doing some shell scouting in the meantime!  Talk to you shortly.
Regards,     Marty
<Indeed we are! Wish you were here... you will be soon. Bob F>
Marty Beals
Tideline

Diving, traveling friends
Dear Bob and Diane...
<Hi Bjorn!>
We are at the moment in Bali, to do some diving. We just been out diving to
day at tulamben, When I should log my dive I found you visit card, I thought
I lost it.
So better late than never. We want to thank you for a really good week last
year at Sipidan. It was really great to meet such a nice couple. Every time
we go diving, and see some small fishes we think of you.
We are on 1 month vacation in Bali, and perhaps next summer we go Hawaii, who
knows ?
<Do come out to Hawaii. We have a very nice house on the Big Island and will show you around, go diving together.>
Once again we are really glad to meet you
take care...
Pia og bjorn  Denmark.
<Have a great time in Bali. Good to hear from you. Bob Fenner>

Hawaii and L.A. visit
Hi Bob,
<Howard>
     This is not an urgent question and doesn't have to appear in the forum......
<Mmm, others might find the info., interchange of use>
At the end of july we are planning a trip to Hawaii and would like to know if there are any interesting aquariums/wholesalers/ retailers that we should plan on visiting.  We will be in Oahu and the Big Island and also have some time in Los Angeles.  Aside from the snorkeling and Public Aquarium, is there anything that we shouldn't miss out on visiting?  Thanks for all yours and the crews' efforts and education.
<All sorts! On O'ahu do make it over to the Waikiki Aquarium (check and bring your "other" Aquarium pass if you have them... as they co-op with others for free entry)... the book/gift shop is actually worth the visit!) at Kapiolani park... and save some time to visit the park... the plantings and zoo are worthwhile... as well as a good few hours to hike up and around Diamond Head (you can walk but it's a good one from Kapiolani)... don't forget your cameras! There are a few retailers worth visiting, and definitely go see Randy Fernley at Coral Fish Hawai'i... and if the weather/waves permit it... do the big loop about "the meeting place" island and check out Shark Bay, Hanauma Bay (yes, though beaten up by too much visitation, it's still fabulous), Kaneohe (though silty, it still has much to offer... and while you're at the last, check and see if the folks will let you into the labs the U. of HI has there...
On the Big Island, do check into NELHA (just south of Keohole Airport, before Kailua... though folks like IPSF and OceanRider don't have facilities for visitors, there are other interesting things to see, experience there. And in Kailua, do stop by and visit Bill Stockley (Stockley's Aquarium), the only LFS on the island... Do get a copy of "Big Island Revealed" (from Costco, Borders there...) and pore through it, make a visit, dive itinerary... there are MANY places that are worthwhile (almost all on the lee or Kona coast/side) to snorkel, hike...
In L.A.... you might try just "walking in" to some of the larger wholesalers... mainly clustered about LAX... 104th street is especially rich with some co.s in our trade.
There are SEVERAL items to experience in all three of these areas... even just focusing on food-visits would take some time (hee hee!)... While on the Big Island, do check out (esp. if you drink beer) the Big Island Brewery (in downtown Kailua-Kona), in LA, Tommy's (apologies to all who don't like Chili Cheeseburgers) should not be missed... Bob Fenner>                                                         Howard Cushnir                                                         Jacksonville, Florida

Diving...
Hey Bob...
Almost forgot to ask you...
As you know, I am now deeply (no pun intended!) into the whole world of diving!
<Yes!>
Next week, I'll be making my first dives with Nitrox. I am curious if you find that Nitrox is a good idea? My instructors seem to think it's THE way to dive...Do you actually use, it yourself? Is it worth getting the certification?
<Good questions... I am NOT a big fan of Nitrox... for the nominal benefits I do not consider it "worth it"... but do know of many other folks who swear by the technology... I would like to skip ahead and plug rebreathers instead... but am content myself to dive with compressed atmosphere>
Yep- I'm fairly obsessed about this new-found hobby (great- ANOTHER obsession!)- even to the point of getting a dry suit to deal with the cold water off Catalina...I intend to get a bunch of dives in before hitting HI later this summer (assuming you'll be there!)...looking forward to diving in a "real" habitat!
<Thank you for reminding me as well Scott... of plans to return to our place on the Big Island for the month of July. I do hope you and Nadine can come out, and that we can dive together>
Other questions on diving HI-
Are you using a spring suit, or a full?
<Either... I would just dive with a long-sleeve rash guard here most months, but the thieves took that as well this last go. I have a new 3 mil short sleeve Spring suit for most days (easy shore-entry and boat dives) and a fuller 3/5 mil. for rough shore-entries... to avoid the lava!>
How deep do you usually go?
<Generally not more than 125 feet or so... not much to see beyond. I have gone briefly to two hundred plus on compressed atmosphere, almost four hundred on tri-mix...>
DO you generally go out on dive boats, or go off beaches?
<About half and half. Am good friends with some of the fine people who are Big Island Divers here... and the island is blessed with many other fine dive services... but/and there are many shore entry sites that are very fine on most days... and I have two single eighties with hundred fills here>
I'm trying to work on the skills I'll need to be a good all-around diver, but I want to really concentrate on those that I will use in places like HI...
<Ahhh! Am looking more the forward to sharing with you here>
Any feedback would be appreciated!
Scotter
<Perhaps you'd be interested in coauthoring a dive/photo guide to HI with me? Have been cogitating re for some time now. You no doubt have seen Randall, Hoover, Allison Kay, Jerry Crow... et al.s diving and natural history tomes re the islands... tis time for a newer, updated diver-oriented work in my estimation. Let us indeed chat this over... for your upcoming further delving, development into underwater photography/videography. Bob F>

Hawaiian Fish Exporters
<Perry, Dave, I chatted with the three principal collecting companies owner/operators on the Big Island and two of the three sounded like they might like to do business with you. 
Do contact Jeff at Island Marine Exports 808-329-1898
or Steve/Mr. Fish at 808-334-0123
and maybe the folks at Yankee Divers 808-329-3125
Of these folks I know Steve the best to be honest and have consistently good quality... he has a very nice self-made holding system, catches and processes his own livestock.
Hope this helps. Bob Fenner>

Fish and Diving (A Navarchus and HI)
Hi Guys!
<Hello Lesley>
Hope you are all keeping well.  Got a couple of quick questions on fish and another one related to diving so here goes:-
<Okay>
We bought a 4" Majestic Angel 
<A good size to start with>
last week (unfortunately, without reading your info first). He'd been at the LFS for a couple of months, feeding well etc.
He did eat during the first couple of days but after that he discovered he could hide in the reef so now we hardly see him and if he sees us first, he's off, faster than a speeding bullet!  I am worried that because of this hiding, he is not getting enough, if any, food at feeding times, however we do have a few corals which I am sure he nibbles on when no-one is around. Do you think we should be worrying? And will he become more gregarious as he gets settled in?
<Is this a large system? Hundreds of gallons? With lots of hiding spaces, rock...? I hope so>
Secondly we have a fairy wrasse (not sure what sort, pinky purple and orangey in colour - very technical!).  This fish was incredibly shy at first too but now is always out and about and feeds from our hands. We want to get a Scott's wrasse. We have a 100g tank - as they are completely different colours, will they be less likely to fight, if they fight at all?
<There is a possibility that if these are two similar size, markings males... that they might. Is this the same tank the Majestic is in? It's too small... I encourage you to return the Angel>
Finally, we are going over to Hawaii (Big Island) in May (hurrah! Can't wait!) Staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
<A beautiful hotel... We have a place on the Big Island (just mauka, or up hill from Kailua (the principal town, on the lee/Kona side of the island), and have had a few friends visit the last weeks that I've taken to stroll through the Waikoloa Hilton... great grounds and artwork... the "Dolphin experience"... and neat swimming pools with slides!>
My husband is a certified diver and just wondered where the best dive sites are in and around Kona and what animals he is likely to see.  Also, are the reefs around Hawaii really as bad as we have heard?
<Bad? As in...? Some are easier, harder to explore, access... for shore entries? There are MANY possibilities>
Fish are his first love and he's hoping to see some turtles and manta rays.
<Many good places, mainly depending on the weather/waves... it's been terrible the last few weeks, with very high surf coming in to the west... but will likely improve. Do cruise up to Puako (north of the Hilton), perhaps through Mauna Lani (the resort... and take in the Puako Petroglyphs as well... many Green Sea Turtles on the large area for shore entries there... And a good distance to the south is "Two-Step" that you can visit along with Honaunau, the City of Refuge... your concierge or rental car company can give you good directions to this and other attractions off the 11... There is Kuhaluu or White Sands Beach along Alii Drive as well (near the 5 mile marker)... Ali
<I is the "main drag" in Kailua Town... There are many more spots depending on weather, your degree of comfort/ability... The Mantas here are fantastic to see, but you need to go on a specialized scuba boat dive to experience them first hand. Check with any of the excellent dive services re. My fave is "Big Island Divers"... ask Norm there most any question re local diving>
He's dived in the Maldives, Mauritius, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas and Grenada.
<He'll enjoy it here then... usually 100-150 foot visibility, temp. of water mid to upper 70's this time of year... and a good quarter of the animals only found here... MUCH to see, enjoy>
We're going to Bonaire in December - any particular dive sites you would recommend there?  We're hoping to do the Red Sea and Great Barrier Reef next year - pennies permitting!
<All excellent places. I strongly suggest you do what I do... read cursorily over the Net, the usual "travel guides" and specialty print works on diving, natural history of the areas>
Anyway, thanks for all your help and advice as always.
Lesley
<A pleasure to share. Bob Fenner in Holualoa>

Hawaii
Hey Bob this is Cody May. 
<Hi Cody!>
Our family will be going to Hawaii in February. My parents want to stay on Maui since we have some relatives going over at the same time and that's what island they will be on. I was wondering if you knew a good hotel to stay at. 
<I/we always search on the Net and bargain hunt there... most of the inexpensive places are to the northeastern shore... Kihei and Lahaina are ritzy... do try to make a "all in one" package deal with airfare, the car/s, and hotel all priced by an agent... You don't have to meet the agent as in a travel expert in your town... the Net is fine here... use whatever search engines you have with the terms "Hawai'i" or "Maui", "travel", "package deal", "discount"...>
There are 4 kids so it would have to be somewhere with something for the younger ones to do. 
<There's lots for folks who like to get outside... the beaches, hiking to the Needle, Haleakala Crater... bike-riding down and around... some towns to roam about>
Also do you know of a good place to get airline tickets, my mom has been a bit slow and hasn't booked them yet. Are you still going to be over there during that time?
<Yikes, do this sooner rather than later... the further out you can plan, buy, the cheaper generally things are. Right now Aloha Airlines has some super deals... from mainly the west coast. Have your mom check their site. Bob Fenner at the house on the Big Island... Steve Allen is visiting.>
Thanks a million,
Cody

Hawaiian reference material.
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2003 01:10:17 +0000
Hi Bob, Hi Diana,
<Hey John!>
And a very Merry, belated Xmas to you both from John, Marty, and The Abbey!! I understand that you are preparing for a rapidly-approaching attack on the fishes and mollusks of Hawaii & have need for some type of reference matter on the shells there. Really not that much in print, but we have dug up a couple of items that might help. The large red book by Allison Kay is the only "Bible", so to speak, that has been published & was out in 1979, probably out of print these days.
<Must be... the name doesn't bring up any shell books on Amazon.com!~>
Anyway, it is quite detailed and comprehensive & is an extra copy that we happen to have, so there you are!! I will send this down to you first thing tomorrow morning and hope that it helps you out with all those wonderful shells that you are going to find.
<Will gladly pay you for the copy... maybe in shells! Or what you like next I see you>
Basically the same drill as Nuka Hiva, and you will quickly figure out the habitats of encountered mollusks as the trip progresses. Ferret out the good ones of course. Look out in the sand in deeper water for Goodwin's Harp Shell & that one will pay for your trip and put money in the bank to boot.
<Will do John>
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me & I'm here at Tideline all this week, in and out for deliveries, but not out of town on any overnighters. My very best regards,
John P.
<Thank you my friend. Happy New Year. Bob Fenner>

Overstocking a reef system
you are more than welcome.
we have exchanged mails before mostly through the WWM site.
You may, or most probably not recall me asking for some advice on a Hawaiian reef set-up.
<Mmm, no, not right off>
For the past 4 yrs I have had a small 40g reef system with minimal corals (Sinularia, Euphyllia glabrescens and pulse xenia), which has been my basis for learning the hobby.
The fish I have kept are 4 green Chromis (once 5 but a mishap with an overflow...another lesson learnt) are these found in Hawaii??
<No... there are a few other Damsels (you can search those found there on fishbase.org under the region, then resorting the fishes by family)... but these are rarely imported... maybe the irascible Dascyllus albisella... needs real room... a mean fish, much like the Domino>
if not could you suggest a reef safe shoaling fish. 4 convict gobies now 5" and made their full colour changes (I am not sure whether these would fit in my planned species set-up) I have also read that these can become aggressive with age, and my oldest salt water buddy Rooney my 2" maroon clown whom I've had for nearly 3 yrs.
<Can and likely will>
I have recently purchased a chevron tang and a Hawaiian 4 lined wrasse, neither came cheap I can assure you but worth every penny. They are both in quarantine waiting to be introduced to my new eco-system run reef. 
<In this 40? I hope in another, perhaps larger system>
Other than the Chevy and 4 lined wrasse I intend to add a flame angel and if possible to find 1 a flame wrasse. are there any other livestock fish or other wise that you would add to this system?? I do plan to add a bubble-tip and pair up my maroon clown before introducing them to the aquarium, the maroon clown would be the only fish I would not be prepared to sacrifice for the Hawaiian reef system.
<Is this still the forty gallon system? I would not place more fish livestock in this volume... too small. Bob Fenner>

Hawaiian Stingrays Or "Do You Google"?
Hey guys, WHEA student here again. I have a paper due on Hawaiian Sting Rays and I haven't been able to find ANY websites other than yours, do you know of any? (Love your website, I refer to it for EVERYTHING!) - Jillian
>>http://www.csulb.edu/web/labs/sharklab/students/current/dan/flash/project_sting.html
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/default.htm
http://www.fishbase.org
http://www.google.com/search?q=hawaiian+stingrays&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&start=50&sa=N
Marina

Treating new fish 6/18/03
Hello Anthony,
<cheers, mate>
I thought about Formalin, but was worried about its effects on the filter (which is biological)?
<valid... but not so severe as many other meds (like copper, Methylene blue, erythromycin, etc)>
I will consider a formalin dip, the MelaFix was added
because i had some and i thought it would be fine with the shark.
<agreed... I do believe it is safe for the shark... and safe for the parasites too <G>>
how lo would you say to lower the salinity by (if the shark was removed)?
<1.018>
I am completely struck on transshipped marines and i am due a list from Hawaii. Can you suggest any thing from there that is really good or worth having?
<many fine wrasses, a few dwarf angels... beautiful triggers and Tobies (dwarf puffers)...>
in my mind i am thinking flame angels, potters angel, Lemonpeel angels, yellow Sailfin tangs, chevron tangs - common but sought after!
<the tangs yes... very much. Great fishes and hardy. The Potters... no way. They are so delicate that many don't even make it to the US mainland. Not a strong fish under any circumstance... lets leave those beauties in the sea. Lemonpeels and Flames can be quite hardy once established though. Very fine.>
Regards, Sam
<best regards, Anthony>

HI House
  Hi Bob,
  How are you?
<Fine>
  Question.......when will the house you bought in Maui be ready for renting?
<Oh! The house is actually on the Big Island... on the dry (Kona) side, mauka (uphill) from the principal town of Kailua>
  The reason why I am asking is because the manager of my El Paso office, his wife and another couple will be going to Hawaii in June.  I told him about it and he might be interested in renting it.  Let me know and I hope to see you soon.
<Thank you for this Liz. Here's a link to the pix on the Net: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/holualoaproperty.htm
Will ask Pete, Di re how ready the house will be... and hope to see you and Tom over there. We're not quite sure re how we're going to "demise" the property... it's big, and easily divided into upstairs/down... But we do want to rent part of it, or all of it part time... and we're over there in May, getting the utilities turned on, buying furniture... Maybe we'll devise a website to aid in renting, informing folks interested. Be chatting, Bob>
  Seymore/Liz Claus

Aloha Dogfish,
<Jules>
            How are you?   I am Julie, the daughter of Ron (Dipseyshit) and Susan.   They told me about meeting you at Two Step and that you were interested in the purchase of a property.
<Yes. Thank you for contacting me/us.>
   As they told you, I am in real estate and would love to assist you in your search for a home here.   Sometimes you really need to jump on something fast because they go into contract in just a few days.   I can keep you up to date on what is new in the market and start the search right away.
<Mmm, we are in escrow on a Holualoa property with Dawn Ladera (Clark Realty), but are looking to buy, build on other properties in the not-too-distant future. I will send your note to Impy (Peter) for follow-up>
  I know that you had the fragrant farms under contract.   What made you decide that it wasn’t what you want?
<Really just a matter of "bad luck"/misfortune... we were out of the country on a trip and there was a need to agree on something... so the folks took a back-up offer.>
   It is good to know what you don’t like so that I do not waste your time.  I know that sometimes you can find what you want right away and sometimes it takes a few times to find the property that you really want.   
<Agreed. Will rely on Impster to fill you in>
            They also told me that you are a diver.   I also would like to meet you, as I too love to scuba dive.
Do you dive often around here?
<A couple trips a year usually>
  What spots do you like to go to?
I like Two Step and The End of the Road for shore dives.   And I really love to go crawling through lava tubes and caves where they are available.
<There and Honokahau, Puako, a few other shore entry spots and we use a few of the dive svc.s in town... very nice>
I went to your web site and checked it out.  I really liked your photo of the day.   It reminded me of the Red Sea.   
            Please contact me and let me know what you are looking for.
  Maybe we could meet and we then could discuss houses and what you want.   I look forward to doing business with you in the future.
<Okay>
Mahalo,
Julie Rahmer, R(S)
<Bob (Dogfish) Fenner>

When In The Islands...Take Nothing But Photos!
Hi,
<Hello... Scott F. with you today>
I have just returned from a trip in Hawaii, and I brought with me 2
medium-sized pieces of lava rock that I found in the ocean waters of Hawaii, I was wondering if it is safe to put into my 55 gallon aquarium?
<Yikes! You did what? Just so you know- It is not advisable to remove rocks, sand, etc. from Hawaiian waters. There  are a variety of restrictions concerning the removal of natural materials.  And, with this being lava rock, there are also local superstitions that go along with the removal of these rocks from the Hawaiian Islands.  I know two rocks might seem to be minimal- but just think- with millions of tourists visiting the Islands each year, if each one took just a couple of rocks, think of the impact on our natural resources...>
What effects might it have on my fish, eel, and invertebrates?
<Well...It's hard to say...Rocks from natural sources may be perfectly safe, or they may continually leach undesirable substances into the water. Best to let wild-collected rock "cure" in a separate aquarium or container with filtration and/or Polyfilter for a few weeks before using...>
Also is it similar to the lava rocks sold in the aquarium stores?
Thanks in advance.
<Without seeing them, it would be hard to say...I'd still advise a "curing" period before their use. Good luck! Scott F.>

Hawaii Vacation: Woo Hoo!
Aloha David
<Greetings!>
Thanks for the fast reply.  
<You're welcome!>
The Outrigger Hotels are right on the beach and have pretty good rates.  I'm not sure what you mean by inexpensive, but for about $150.00 the Sheraton Waikiki is great place to stay.  If you are
looking for something that is not in Waikiki, I would recommend the Marriott at Ihilani.  It is in a resort called Ko Olina on the west side of the island.  It has a world class spa and is located on a private lagoon.  I've stayed there before and it was one of the best hotels I've stayed at for the price.  Try looking in package rates through travel agencies like Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays.  My friend got a $400.00 package that included air and hotel for a week.  The hotel was not very nice, but if you are on a budget
its perfect.
<Thanks so much for this! You've have been a great help in planning this trip>
Let me know if you have any more questions.
<Okay!>
Thanks for all you help,
<The pleasure is all mine...David Dowless>
Jeff

Snorkeling O'ahu, Li Dat!
Which sites on Oahu and Maui do you recommend for snorkeling and photography in  February? Thanks, Stephen Pace
<On O'ahu, there is the ever-popular Hanauma Bay, located on the East Side. Turtle Bay, on the way to the North Shore, also has some good snorkeling. On Maui, you can check out Molokini (lots of tours go there, as well as several other spots in the Kaanapali area. Do check the local "welcome" magazines that are available at hotels, shops, and airports throughout the islands. Have a great trip! Regards, Scott F.>

Aquariums In Da Islands
Which Aquariums in Oahu and/or Maui do you recommend visiting in forthcoming trip there in February. Thanks, Stephen Pace
>Have already copied your other articles re fish collecting and viewing there with relish!
<Definitely, you want to check out the Waikiki Aquarium, which is one of the oldest (and I think best) aquariums in the nation. They have some magnificent exhibits, and the personnel make this a world-class facility. On Maui, do check out the Maui Ocean Center. Do an internet search for these facilities, and I think you'll find some good information that will get you even more stoked about your visit! Regards, Scott F.>

Rhinecanthus rectangulus 
I am trying to setup a Maui biotope in a FOWLR system. I would like a
Humu Humu as the centerpiece fish but cannot seem to get a consensus on
whether or not it would kill the snails I'm using as a cleanup crew. 
<It will likely do so over time>
I
can't create the look I'm after without live rock and I happen to believe it
is an important requirement for healthy fish like a dwarf angel which I would
also like to include. 
<Agreed. I would use live rock for sure... I did some drawings in anticipation of building out a public aquarium in Kona once... all had a rock motif>
But I'm not sure how to maintain nice looking LR
without some snails to clean it. 
<No worries... there are other scavenger choices... and in actual practice, not much to worry about re problems here>
If you could share some advice about this
I would be very appreciative. If the rectangulus will not work, could you
suggest an alternative fish, appropriate for this biotope, that has a
similar character or personality, if there is such a thing.
<Mmm, if you're set on this showpiece I would go with it, and build the rest of the collection/biotope around it. Bob Fenner>
Thanks,
Bret Packard

Chromis agilus
Dear Bob:
I have downloaded some of your wonderful pics you took in Hawai'i of the genus Chromis, and have been really trying to find a place to get 3 of the Chromis agilus for my 60 gallon reef tank. They would be the "stars" as the 3 other fish are 1 clownfish, 1 pygmy angel and 1 royal Gramma. I have tried all public sources and they are unwilling or unable to order these fish for me. Is there someone in Hawai'i you know who might ship to me, or someone here in California or elsewhere who has a contact.
<Mmm, yes... have your shop, supplier contact Quality Marine or Underwater World in Los Angeles... they have regular HI shipments (weekly) and good rapport with collectors, may be willing to have their collectors send you some... though few of the Damsel species are collected from the 50th State (not enough pay to merit it... and the common techniques of capture and holding impose high mortalities on these fishes... or you might try Randy Fernley of Coral Fish Hawai'i... who has a nice retail shop on O'ahu and is a great collector...>
I will be there over Xmas for my second wonderful visit, but don't think it possible to walk into a pet shop there and carry them on the plane. 
<You could if someone had them.>
I do look forward to snorkeling though and have your note to someone else who is going there soon.
I am still painting and my next ptg is that calendar fish from last week, who thanks to you, is named Lorenzo.
<Great!>
My best - great diving, great pics.
Connie Cavan
<Many more to come my friend. Contact us when you're closer to Southern Calif. Bob Fenner>

Question About Buying Hawaiian Fish
Robert
May I just start by saying I love your book (Conscientious Marine
Aquarist). I used to keep a salt tank back mid-90's but then went back to freshwater African Cichlids. Recently I decided to start up a reef again and your book is one I am using as I guide.
My goal is to make my tank as "Hawaiian" as possible - I am having trouble finding specific inverts for the area.
<No coral or liverock collection in Hawaii.>
The other thing I notice is unless the species is actually endemic its hard to find out which ones are actually from there. They are all listed as Indo-Pacific.
<I have found most Hawaiian fish listed as Hawaiian and usually cost a bit more.>
This leads me to my question - 2 fish that I am planning on:
Zebrasoma flavescens and Centropyge loriculus
While both do live in the Hawaiian Islands - they both are also from other places. What I was wondering is how do you know when your at a
store/purchasing from the web etc that you are actually getting one
captured from there and not from somewhere else?
<Hawaiian Yellow Tangs are a deeper yellow color, easy to distinguish when you have seen them both. Same thing goes for the Flame Angel, nicer color, more expensive, when Hawaiian.>
I know this is difficult to answer - I guess what worried me most is that I asked one dealer about obtaining fish from the Philippines and cyanide - his response to me was "What I have found out is in this industry they will tell you what you want to hear."
<An odd response. My limited experience has shown when it is from someplace special, Hawaii, Christmas Island, etc., it is listed.>
That didn't make me feel too confident about making sure that I purchased the right specimens from the right areas.
<Maybe try another dealer. Look over the pitch Robert wrote on Hawaiian fishes.>
Maybe you can shed some light on this dilemma for me.
Thanks for your time.
Trying to do the right thing, Brett
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro>

Trying to make marine systems a go in Hawai'i...
Hi Bob,
Wow what a great site! So much knowledge and in a language us newbies can
understand. 
<Thank you my friend>
I believe this along with your book...what accomplishment.
<Much good help with both projects>
I have a 55 gal salt FOWLR tank. I wish to start a refugium/sump and I have
a few dilemmas. I'm thinking of 10 or 20 gal hopefully the later I will just
have to set it out side my tank some how maybe a smaller stand. I live in
Hawaii and with all the laws and regulations it's very hard to have the
right elements to make this a success.
<This I know. Too many restrictions IMO>
My "live rock of course was dead when
I put it in, but now has coralline and other sorts of organisms growing on
it. I would like any suggestions you might have to help me out with this
dilemma. I have a 20 gal that I wanted to use for that purpose, but it is
sitting empty right now until I find more information.
thank you for all your help
Dela Yazzie
<I would contact the DNR and the Waikiki Aquarium for the "latest" on laws in the 50th State. There are reportedly some folks "making" cultured live rock there... and possibly there are some legal avenues for utilizing a source of substrate that can/will colonize the carbonaceous materials in your system. Please return and grace us with your findings, news of your successes. Bob Fenner>

Hawaiian species
dear Mr. Fenner,
I am currently in the process of starting up a 450l reef tank, using Berlin
methods of filtration and an in sump refugium.
my intended fish stock will be a pair of flame angels (as the center piece)
and a flame wrasse, both species from Hawaii.
<Very nice... Flame Angels are not easily acquired that have actually been collected in Hawai'i. You may well want to have a female in with your male Cirrhilabrus jordani... to help retain its health, color>
I currently have a Kole tang in the tank and two cleaner shrimp, a few
hermits and 25 turbo snails, I also intend on adding 2-3 yellow tangs and
maybe a lipstick tang at a later date.
<A Naso lituratus for browsers... also indigenous to HI>
what I am writing to ask is, are there any Hawaiian fish species you would
recommend for a reef tank ?? i.e. gobies, blennies, damsels and possibly
Anthias',
and what order would you stock the inhabitants for compatibilities
purposes.......
<Many. Please see here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/hifwgv1.htm for an annotated piece on pet-fishes of Hawai'i (a section shortened from a recent book by me)>
I do apologies for the long letter, but I'm afraid you only have yourself
to blame for getting me into this hobby in the first place. LOL :-)
<I see>
also while I'm here chewing your ears off, are there any corals/inverts that
are endemic species from Hawaii???
<Many... along with the Sea of Cortez in the Eastern Pacific and the Red Sea, this are has one of the highest degrees of endemism of nearshore, shallow water marine species...>
that you could also recommend.
<Unfortunately, the trade in these organisms is not well-developed or outright banned>
my current coral stock is a torch coral (Euphyllia glabrescens), pulsing
xenia and a small Tridacna clam.
thanks for all the time and effort you put into a most informative web site,
I'm sure it is much appreciated across the globe.
Brent Keenan (UK)
<Thank you my friend. Be chatting. Bob Fenner>

Where did that fish go?!?
Hello, <Anthony Calfo in your service while Bob is away>
I purchased a dragon wrasse for an all Hawaii system today and think
something terrible happened. I don't know where he is and have one small
lionfish and one snowflake eel that may be the culprits. I have read that they like to bury.
<absolutely do not give up yet... I have seen this species bury in the sand/ disappear on arrival and not show face for as much as two weeks!>
This was a juvenile specimen and I may get a:
lunar wrasse <aggressive and grows too large> 
Coris <many are delicate or passive> 
or another yet bigger dragon wrasse <perhaps... but wait a little more>.
It would be wonderful to get your opinion. Other tankmates include Chevron tang <magnificent fish!!!>
3 blue damsels, baby Picasso (with no back tail) and the previously mentioned eel and lion fish.
<until you train your lion to feed on frozen food, but sure to enrich (Selcon soak/inject) or gut load prey
Thanks for any advice you may give, Jake
<Good luck, bud...let us know when <wink> your wrasse appears. Anthony>

Oops! Here he is!
I LOVE YOU GUYS,
<Jake...we love you too...in a manly "Go Steelers" sort of way. Anthony>
My wrasse (the Hawaii tank) appeared this morning and he is fine.
<excellent... you could have bet money on it. Those little devils love to get your blood pressure up. Hold on to that fish and grow it up well...they are magnificent as adults. Be sure to treat him regularly with feeder ghost/grass shrimp when it is old enough>
Thanks, paranoid Jake.
<you are welcome. catholic Anthony>

Hawaii set up
Hello,
I would like to thank you for helping people and fish.
<A pleasure>
Also I would
like to ask you about a Hawaiian set up. It is in a 55 gallon and must center
around a Huma Huma. I am thinking some damsels, a Chevron, and some kind of
wrasse. I understand that eventually the trigger and the Chevron may outgrow
this tank. I would also like to say that I work in an aquarium shop on the
weekends to support my habit and I recommended your sight and book to our
customers.
Thanks for any advice,
Jake from D.C.
<Please take a look here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/hifwgv1.htm You will find a list of the Wrasses found in Hawai'i and my ranking of their suitability for aquarium use, links to other sites, FAQs files. Be chatting my friend. Bob Fenner>

Hawai'i
Dear Bob,
Your lead article in this month's FAMA covering (thoroughly covering) the Hawaiian aquarium fishes is among the best that mag. has published lately. It is reference material for sure. Thank you.
<Thank you for this mention... I really enjoy putting these sorts of "what's there of interest, with images" pieces together... Glad to know you find them of use>
Having just returned from a dive trip along the Kona coast I wish we could keep the charming red pipe fishes or the green trumpet fishes. By the way, I didn't know Hawaii had its own special lobster - with claws rivaling those of the cold water species. A print out of your Fish Watcher's Guide was very helpful. We found the northern coast much clearer and alive than the more populated area near Kona.
Manta rays at night are awesome.
<Spectacular... a "must" for all dive-visitors>
Once again, my "automated" system was fine after having no care or attention whatsoever for 18 days! Now if we could find something to eat calcareous algae off the glass?
<Mmm... Bob Fenner>
Howard

Re: New tank setting it up
(I thought I'd put in my $.02 here Bob and/or Jasonc, sorry if I'm
butting in).
<Not at all. All input welcome>
Concerning the LR/LS situation in Hawai'i. I would think that plankton
collection would be a legal option.
<Mmm, no... actually think you have to "have a permit" there...>
One of the local colleges might have
someone willing to go out and collect plankton for you, or you can order
plankton nets from online scientific supply houses (for example,
http://www.carolina.com/ ) if you can't find a local dealer. I'm not
sure if this is entirely safe (pathogenic (sp?) organisms could be
introduced this way), but it would be one method of introducing benthic
organisms into your tank. I would also check with Gerald Helsinga at
Indo-Pacific Sea Farms. URL: http://www.ipsf.com email: indopac@aol.com
I'm not sure they can help, but it can't hurt to ask. They're located in
HI and can't ship. According to the website, they don't do gate sales,
but who knows, maybe they know someone who could help you out.
Best of luck,
Mike, aka PF
<Will post to WWM... don't retain folks e-mail addresses. Bob Fenner>

From: "FunHawaii.com" 
Dear Prospective NEW Air Pass subscriber:
The air pass will become available for purchase within the next few days. Below is a copy of air pass terms and conditions. The price is $1699. There will be two chances for FunHawaii.com clients on the waiting list to obtain the air pass:
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A very limited number of passes will be assigned on that date. Assignment will be based on first come first serve e-mail starting with 10 AM PST. NOT EARLIER
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You will be notified on Thursday, end of day, if you were one of those selected in the first round.
SECOND ROUND: Those who were not notified by e-mail on Thursday will be able to call in on October 30th for the second round where a much larger pool of new air passes will be issued.
On Thursday you will receive a phone number which will begin taking calls at 6 AM in the morning of October 30th. Again, this will be first come first serve basis. You will be able to purchase the air pass on that date. Last year air passes sold out in 4 hours on the call in date. This year we expect a much shorter sellout window.
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General Conditions: The Pleasant AirPass (hereinafter "PASS") is valid for unlimited travel on Pleasant Holidays' scheduled service program with American Trans Air (hereinafter "ATA"), from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Honolulu and Maui, or from Honolulu and Maui to Los Angeles and San Francisco (Pleasant Holidays reserves the right to substitute air carrier at no additional charge to member).--
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The cost of the PASS is $1699.00 per person, including departure taxes, Passenger Facility Charges, and segment taxes. Full payment is required within 7 days of the initial request for the PASS. If paying by check, the check must be made payable to "Pleasant Holidays, ILLC."--
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- ---
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This notification is not an offer or a contract and is issued for convenience of FunHawaii clients only. The full contract will be posted on THURSDAY at www.FunHawaii.com/airpassterms.html. You will be able to print it out and send in in after your AirPass application has been approved.
<Who's got interest? Four trips to HI in a year... and it's likely worthwhile. Bob>

Kona
Dear Bob,
My 150 gallons of joy is doing well with no problems. An exciting and interesting year, indeed! Thanks again.
<You're welcome>
After years of diving in the Caribbean, Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico, the half price air fares and hotel rooms on the Big Island of Hawaii will be our November trip - two weeks at Kona. Looking forward to seeing relatives of my tangs in their home waters!
<This is the best of the principal Hawaiian Islands to dive on>
I know this was your habitat for a long time. Any suggestions? Specific dive sites? What not to miss?
<Many places on the leeward side... City of Refuge, Two Steps... on over to Captain Cooks if you don't mind paddling or taking a boat ride from Kailua... towards the south end of Alii drive in town there are a few nice snorkel beaches... Puako is not to be missed, nor visiting the hotels/art at Waikaloa... Parker Ranch and environs, Kilaeua Volcanic Park... Hilo on a big drive around, Rainbow Falls... Black Sand Beach at South Point... There's a great practical "Around the Big Island" tourist book you should buy in Hawai'i if you can't find it ahead of time (same folks have made one for Maui and Kaui...) very worthwhile. Please take a look at the Fishwatcher's Guide installment here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/hifwgv1.htm
for more. Bon voyage. Bob Fenner>
Howard

Any Ideas?
Bob,
How are you my friend. Things are going well with myself and my tank.
<Ah, good to read>
Got a few questions for ya. I won a trip to Maui during the middle of March
for seven days. I figured you have travel here and might have a few ideas on
what a struggling reef aquarist might see or do.
<You lucky pug! Many interesting things to see, do there... are you a snorkeler? A whole coast to swim off of... A scuba diver? You must go out to Molokini (a compressed cinder cone) at least a couple of times... There is a very nice public aquarium, the world's largest volcanic crater (Haleakala) some fabulous hiking... and a CostCo to buy provisions, good fresh fish to buy from the markets... great Japanese beers at a good price...>
Let me when you are coming to Baltimore. I think I owe you a few brown
bottles on all the help you have provided!
<Ahhhhh, will be there in May... 17-20th! The pitch will be listed on the PMAS website, am sure... see you there. Bob Fenner, if not in Maui>
Bob Wrigley

A little out of the ordinary
Hi Bob. I wanted to thank you for all of your help in the past. I have a
question that is a little different this time. My wife and I are planning a
trip to Hawaii and we were wondering which island has the best snorkeling.
We are interested in the type of snorkeling where you paddle around at the
water's surface in shallow reefs. Hope everything is well.
Bruce G.
<Kind of depends on the weather... but by and large, if you haven't been before, and only have time to "do" one, go to the Big Island, Kona... larger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined it has a much larger "shadow" on its leeward side, therefore more protected from waves, currents... And MANY interesting places to visit in the water and out. Puako, Three Step, Captain Cooks... and on the land... the twin mountains Mauna Loa and Mauna kea... the town of Hilo, the Volcanic park of Kilauea... many nice places to eat... some good budget (even within my range!) accommodations... Not nearly as touristy as O'ahu (though there are some great places to snorkel there when conditions are good... but Maui can be fantastic... Kaui a little more restricted... and the other islands not nearly as developed or fun for a first time go around. Take a good, long read through the massive amount of info. on the Net...
Bob Fenner>

Hawaiian Biotope tank
Hi Bob. I wanted to thank you for coming out to the PMAS meeting. I really enjoyed your knowledge that was shared to us back here in Pittsburgh. I was also emailing about the Hawaiian biotope tank that I am in the process of stocking. I need those references that you told me to email you. Anyways thanks again.
Jason Hails>>
Are they printed, citation references? Have, at meeting you and chatting, added the section (Fishwatcher's Guide to the Tropical Marine Aquarium Fishes... of Hawai'i) to my website: www.wetwebmedia.com... take a look, and get back to me if this is either not clear, complete...
Bob Fenner, who always greatly enjoys getting out to make presentations and mixing it up with fellow enthusiasts!