Species profile
'Oama
Mulloidichthys vanicolensis
Identify 'Oama (Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
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.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is 'Oama?
'Oama (Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
What is the scientific name for 'Oama?
'Oama is Mulloidichthys vanicolensis.
Is 'Oama regulated for fishing?
Yes — 'Oama has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify 'Oama?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes 'Oama along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.