Gymnodorids are often tough to identify. Many species are whitish in color ornamented with orange spots, and this one is no different. Although some of the experts do not agree with me, I think this one is not the same as any other species I have seen in Hawaii or in the Marshalls Islands. The single specimen was found at night at Pupukea, Oahu, floating in the water a couple of meters above the bottom. It has apparently been dislodged and was at the mercy of the nearly ever-present surge. More specimens and a study of the internal anatomy will be required to make a positive identification.
Created 20 April 2009