Hawaii's State Fish

This is the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a. That is Hawaiian for "triggerfish with a pig-like short snout". It has small blue teeth, two spines, and makes grunting noises.

I'm not making this up.

The humuhumunukunukuapua'a's life has been filled with intrigue. It was named the state fish in 1984 but only for five years. There was some question about the polling and voting methods (sound familiar, Minnesota?) Perhaps the humu had friends on the inside who were determining voter intent as opposed to actual voter ballot.

Most people did not realize the crown was to be worn for only five years. When the reign was over everyone continued to put the humu on tee-shirts and tourist trinkets mainly for the fun of listening to people try to pronounce it.

BUT.....in 2006 it came to light that the humu was no longer the official state fish. There were those who lobbied for the Oopu to be handed the throne and scepter because it is found only in Hawaii and actually tastes good, unlike the unpalatable humu.

However, the humu's unpleasant taste actually worked in its favor. You can't have people eating the state fish. It's unpatriotic.

So the humuhumunukunukuapua'a was re-named the official state fish permanantly.

The humuhumu knows none of this and does not care.

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