Species profile
'Oama
Mulloidichthys vanicolensis
Bony fishIUCN: Least Concern2.5K iNat observations
At a glance
'Oama (Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 586 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in Hawaii.
Notable details
- 'Oama is the Hawaiian name specifically for juvenile yellowfin goatfish, not the adults.
- Traditionally prized as live bait for ulua (giant trevally) by Hawaiian shore fishers.
- Detects buried invertebrates using two chemosensory barbels hanging beneath the chin.
- Bears a bright yellow stripe running from snout to tail along each flank.
- Schools in large, dense groups over shallow sandy flats adjacent to coral reefs.
Where 'Oama are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for 'Oama
Background
The yellowfin goatfish (Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) is a species of goatfish native to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's 'Oama article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.