Get to know the: Yellow Tang!
In this first blog of our series about getting to know the fish in Kealakekua Bay, let’s introduce you to the yellow tang! This is a popular and iconic fish found in the waters surrounding Kona Big Island in Hawaii. It is adored for its vibrant yellow color, which adds beauty to the underwater ecosystem and makes it a favorite among snorkelers and divers.
Yellow Tang
The yellow tang plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the coral reefs in Kona Big Island. They graze on algae that can overgrow and smother the coral, helping to keep the balance of the reef ecosystem in check.
Did you know that Kailua-Kona is nicknamed the “Golden Coast”? It’s because of the abundance of yellow tang fish in the waters surrounding the area! The vibrant yellow coloration of the yellow tangs adds a golden hue to the shallow coastal waters, making it a popular destination for snorkelers and divers who come to admire the beauty of these fish in their natural habitat. The presence of the yellow tangs contributes to the overall allure and charm of Kailua-Kona.
Yellow Tang in the surf
Unfortunately, the yellow tang have been overfished in Hawaii in the past due to their popularity in the aquarium trade. The high demand for these colorful fish led to unsustainable harvesting practices, which put pressure on the yellow tang populations and resulted in declines in their numbers.
Yellow Tang and other tropical reef fish in Kealakekua Bay
In response to concerns about overfishing, regulations were put in place to protect the yellow tang populations in Hawaii. These regulations include size limits, bag limits, and restrictions on the collection of yellow tangs for the aquarium trade. Additionally, efforts have been made to promote sustainable harvesting practices and to raise awareness about the importance of protecting this species in Hawaii.
Overall, the yellow tang is an important and cherished species in Kona, Big Island. Be sure to stay on the lookout for these fish when you come out on a snorkel tour with Captain Zodiac! The yellow tang are present in the marine sanctuary Kealakekua Bay. We may be biased, but we think the best way to see them is after arriving to the bay in a zodiac boat!
A view of Kealakekua Bay from the back of a Captain Zodiac raft