Mid Reef

The Mid Reef Exhibit at the Maui Ocean Center offers a unique experience as it exclusively showcases marine animals found in Hawaiian waters. With a dedicated curatorial team that collects and releases organisms under a special state permit, the exhibit boasts a dynamic and ever-changing population. Within the Mid Reef exhibit, visitors can marvel at over 20 different species of reef fish, providing a realistic representation of the thriving reef community in Hawaiʻi. Each fish’s design is perfectly adapted to its specific ecological role. Fish with similar physical characteristics often belong to the same family, indicating their relatedness. Hawaiian waters are home to several easily identifiable fish families. For example, the surgeonfish family displays a distinctive sharp spine resembling a surgeon’s scalpel at the base of their tails. The unicorn fish family features a conical structure on their heads or two sets of spines at the base of their tails. Butterflyfish (Lauwiliwili nukunuku ‘oi‘oi), known for their pointed mouths and vibrant bodies, are specialized in feeding on tiny coral polyps and worms. Triggerfish possess powerful jaws and unique trigger-like fins that serve as a self-defense mechanism. The wrasse family (hīnālea) showcases various shapes, sizes, and colors, utilizing their strong pectoral fins for propulsion. Among the fascinating species in the exhibit, keep an eye out for the Hawaiian cleaner wrasse. This particular wrasse engages in symbiotic cleaning behavior, picking off parasites and dead skin cells from other fish. Such intricate interactions highlight the importance of reef fish in maintaining the overall health of coral reef ecosystems.