| Also known as the Hawaiian Triggerfish (much easier to say), the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a is the unofficial state fish of Hawaii. Although it is widely recognized as the state fish, the Hawaiian State Legislature has never actually made it official. There are various translations of the word humuhumunukunukuapua'a including "fish with a snout like a pig." Another translation says that the name means (loosely) a fish put together in pieces like a jigsaw puzzle, with a face like a pig. Another rumored reason for the name is that when it is caught and brought out of the water, it snorts like a pig. One of its defensive characteristics is its ability to puff up somewhat, wedging itself between rocks or in coral. When it is brought to the surface, this air is released, making the snorting noise. The word "pua'a" in Hawaiian means "pig." According to this version, the name, humuhumunukunukuapua'a literally means "fish who comes out of the water and sounds like a pig." |
Humuhumunukunukuapua'a
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