A Flying gurnard (Dactyloptena orientalis)

A flying gurnard (Dactyloptena orientalis)in partial display. These amazing fish can spread those wing-like pectoral fins wide to frighten predators. They're also interesting in that they usually walk on odd, leg-like projections of their fins rather than swim. It's a rare treat to see one of these on a dive in Maui.

A rather large and curious Longjaw squirrelfish (Sargocentron tiere), with a few of his smaller and less showy relatives in the background...

I see this fish often, but this is the first photograph I've managed to get: a Fowler's pearlfish (Onuxodon fowleri) which hides in pearl oysters and other bivalves during the day, coming out to forage at night.

And from the tiny to the large...a beautiful study in silver-blue, I had a nice visit with this fantastic Shortjaw bonefish (Albula glossodonta). These extremely shy fish flee quickly during the day, but at night sometimes can be cautuously approached. Bonefish have become rather rare in Hawaii due to overfishing.

One of my favorite fish, but seldom seen except at night: The Glasseye squirrelfish, or Common bigeye (Heteropriacanthus cruentatus)

This is a rare sight--a black coral tree in shallow water. This unusual coral typically grows very deep as it doesn't tolerate sunlight very well--but this one happened to get a foothold under a dark ledge in 10' of water!

This fish isn't so much rare as invisible...a very well camouflaged Longtail dragonette (Callionymus decoratus). I was lucky to catch this one on the move, as they're almost impossible to see, especially when they partially bury themeselves in the sand.

A red-spotted sand perch (Parapercis schauinslandi), trying to decide if he likes his reflection...

A pair of juvinile indigo dartfish (Ptereleotris heteroptera). As these move into their adult phase, the yellow tail will fade into blue and develop a typical dark spot. Thanks to John Hoover at www.hawaiisfishes.com for ID advice!

One of my favorites, a flagtail tilefish (Malacanthus brevirostris). These are very graceful but extremely skittish fish that will dash into their burrows (seen at far right) at the first hint of scuba bubbles. Fortunately, I had a rebreather on that day...

A Spotted coral blenny (Exallias brevis) tucked into the lobe coral

A Blackside hawkfish (Paracirrhites forsteri) on its antler coral perch. Hawkfish have no swim bladders, so prefer to sit atop coral or other perches so as to stay off the bottom without expending effort.

I needed a fast hand on the shutter to catch this one--the incredibly shy Large-eye brotula (Brotula multibarbata), also known as the Bearded cusk eel. Not particularly rare, but usually all divers get to see of these skittish fish is a bit of fluttering tail...

A magnificent Flying gurnard (Dactyloptena orientalis). This species is usually almost impossible to photograph from the front, as they tend to flare those wings out and spin on their pectoral fins, nearly always presenting their tails. However, this one was good enough to stay put for a bit...or else it was asleep...

Flying gurnard (Dactyloptena orientalis).

Another look at the amazing coloration of D. orientalis...from this angle you can also see the reflective surface of the retina.

Fun with light and shadow at one of the many Makena Landing skylights...

Macro detail of Snowflake coral (Carijoa sp.), polyps extended...

A beautiful Lace coral (Pocillopora damicornis)...you can also just see the claw of a Common guard crab (Trapezia intermedia) center-left.

Peacock razor wrasse (Iniistius pavo)