What kind of fish is this?

[Eric802]

Didn’t even see this guy until he swam away; this is from the first cathedral on Lanai.

 

[CuzzA]

Looks like the Pacific Spotted Scorpionfish.

 

[Eric802]

I was thinking maybe Scorpionfish but for some reason when I looked them up it didn't seem to look like one. I'm absolutely terrible at fish ID/fish spotting, though, so my opinion is worthless. Looking a bit more after seeing your post, yeah, it does look like one.

Thanks!

 

[Brett Hatch]

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

moving from Basic Scuba forum to Name That Critter forum

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Not sure, it does look quite a bit like a pacific spotted like CuzzA says, but my understanding is that Hawai'i is outside their typical range. Have you seen or heard of these in the Hawai'i area @CuzzA?

 

[CuzzA]

The distinct dorsal spines, pectoral fins, stout head, and stripped round tail are characteristics of the Pacifc Spotted Scorpionfish.

Color correcting your photos also show the same color pattern.