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National Park of American SamoaPola Islands, Tutuila
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National Park of American Samoa
Fishes
 
Acanthurus guttatus, maogo, whitespotted surgeonfish.
An NPS Photo by Peter Craig.
Maogo or whitespotted surgeonfish, Acanthurus guttatus, at an Ofu reef.
 

Park waters are clear and warm with abundant fish.  View the park's list of fishes (with many illustrations).

 

Because the National Park contains extensive marine environments from the shorelines of four separate islands out to ocean depths beyond the outer reefs, we assume that the majority of the 991 fish species representing 113 families recorded in Samoan waters are likely also found in or near the park. This is about twice the number occurring in Hawaii, but half the number in the Indo-Pacific region. Dominant families are damselfish (Pomacentridae), surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), wrasse (Labridae) and parrotfish (Scaridae).

 

 
Safety Caution.  The channels, or awa, draining tide or surge buildup from the park's lagoons carry very strong rip currents.  Beware of these areas.  The park has no search or rescue capability.  The Territory has limited water rescue equipment.  Medical care is limited.  The nearest Coast Guard capability is in Honolulu.
noddy tern
Natural History Guide to the Park
The on-line version of our latest book
more...
 Coral head button
Coral Inventory
More than 200 species, many illustrated
more...
 Lined tang button
Fish Inventory
Lots of pictures of our local fishes
more...
sea slug
Marine Invertebrates,
illustrated list
more...
Underwater close up of a green sea turtle swimming  

Did You Know?
In Samoan folklore, sea turtles were believed to have the power to save fishermen lost at sea by bringing them safely to shore. The Samoan word for sea turtle, “I'a sa,” translates literally to “sacred fish,” presumably because of this ability. Sadly, sea turtles here are now endangered.

Last Updated: November 20, 2009 at 18:56 EST