The Elusive Damselfish

The shy and swift Phoenix Island Damselfish are rare in Hawaii waters, and I'm lucky to see one. I think they are the hardest fish to photograph. Iʻve taken hundreds of photos of them, and I still have not gotten a decent pic. They are brown with coral vertical stripes and like fast moving water where they hide in cracks in the rocks. They dart in and out, very busy at all times.

Damselfish are territorial and defend their area by biting and nipping at anyone getting too close, but the Phoenix seems to be a loner. I never see others around. And like other damsels, they have a sweet face and a happy disposition. Well, that’s how they seem to me, and maybe this year I will get that perfect photo.