Meet The Hawaiian Fish With The Longest Name — & An Even Longer History

Anglers have Hawaii to thank for naming some of the ocean’s most beloved fish: the enormous ahi (yellowfin tuna), the glittering mahi mahi (dolphinfish). These famous fish have fairly easy-to-remember names. But as it turns out, there’s another Hawaiian local whose moniker is a little bit longer — 25 characters long, in fact. Say hello to the lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi.

Known as the longnose butterflyfish in English, the fish’s Hawaiian name describes a long, pointy-nosed fish shaped like a wiliwili (coral tree) leaf. And if you plan to take your Blackfin fishing boat to Hawaii for some snorkeling this summer, you can be sure the lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi will be among the species you see among the reefs! Just read on to learn more about this little fish with a long name — and even longer history.

A Loving Little Fish

Monogamy may not be common in fish — or the animal kingdom as a whole — but the adorable lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi does, in fact, mate for life! You can often find the fish swimming in pairs, making it the ocean’s cutest couple.

Making Marine History

As it turns out, the lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi plays an important role in scientific history too. It was the first Hawaiian fish to be named by English Captain James Cook, who explored the islands in the late 18^th century aboard the HMS Resolution.

Where To Meet The Lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi

If you want to observe the lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi in nature, the first stop you’ll want to make is a no-brainer: Hawaii! The island state’s colorful coral reefs play host to the fish in abundance. After enjoying some offshore fishing for larger catches, retreat to popular snorkeling spots like Hanauma Bay for a chance to observe the fish (and its fellow reef dwellers) in their natural habitat.

Another tropical destination where you’re sure to see lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi? Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. You can even spot the fish in the film Finding Nemo, which takes place here!

While You’re In Town...

The lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi’s size and natural beauty means it’s a fish that is typically admired, but not fished for. (In fact, it’s a popular pick for at-home aquariums!) However, if you’re in the area, you might as well try your hand at some of Hawaii’s most popular sportfish. 

A quick drive or boat ride away from Hanauma Bay, you’ll be at the front door of some of Oahu’s best offshore opportunities — which are some of the world’s best offshore opportunities. Marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo, and Pacific sailfish are just a few of the species you have a chance of catching while you’re in The Aloha State. Because these big fish happen to be some of the ocean’s fastest swimmers, you’ll want to employ a method like trolling that lets you keep up with the pace and cover a wide swath of H2O in a short amount of time. Fortunately, your Blackfin Boat is more than up to the task!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this virtual meet-and-greet with the lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi! Now hop aboard your Blackfin and see this spunky fish (and its friends!) in person.