Critter of the Month

Golden Nenue

The Golden Nenue

Golden Nenue

Within the bay of Pupukea (Shark's Cove) we see quite frequently a unique color variation of the Gray Chub. This individual is bright gold. Last summer it appeared she had a close encounter with a predator. She looked scratched up, and started to turn back to the common grayish color. But towards the end of summer we saw she was recovering nicely, and was turning back to her beautiful gold coloring. In old Hawaii a golden nenue was regarded as the queen - and she continues to be the queen of our MLCD!

Gray Chub (Nenue)

Gray Chub - Nenue

There are four common varieties of Chub or Rudderfish found in Hawaii. The Gray Chub is the most common. This fish is blueish gray. They live along exposed rocky coasts often roaming in large schools. They are not shy, swimming right up to snorklers. They primarily live on seaweed and marine plants.