Snorkel over almost any reef in Waikiki and you will likely meet one of Hawaii's most charming fish, usually not alone but with a partner by its side. The raccoon butterflyfish, known in Hawaiian as kikakapu, is a bright yellow reef fish with a bandit's mask across its face. Here is how to recognize this common beauty and the sweet secret of why you so often see two together.
A Fish With a Mask
The raccoon butterflyfish gets its name from the bold black band across its eyes, outlined in white, that looks just like a raccoon's mask. Its body is a warm golden yellow, flat and disc-shaped like all butterflyfish, with fine diagonal lines along its sides and a dark bar near the tail. That dark bar acts as a false eyespot, helping to confuse predators about which end is the head.
The Pairs of the Reef
One of the most endearing things about this fish is that you usually see it in pairs. Raccoon butterflyfish often travel with a mate, drifting over the coral together as they search for food, and pairs may stay together for a long time. Larger groups sometimes gather too, but that side-by-side couple gliding across the reef is a classic Waikiki sight.
🐠 Raccoon Butterflyfish Quick Facts
- Called kikakapu in Hawaiian, meaning strongly forbidden.
- Golden yellow with a black-and-white raccoon mask over the eyes.
- Often seen swimming in pairs over the reef.
- One of the most common butterflyfish on Hawaii's reefs.
A Name to Respect
The Hawaiian name kikakapu means strongly forbidden, a hint at how butterflyfish were traditionally regarded as special and protected. Today, scientists treat butterflyfish as indicator species: because many feed on coral and algae, a reef full of healthy butterflyfish is usually a sign of a healthy reef. Spotting plenty of them on your snorkel is good news for Waikiki's waters.
Watch, Don't Touch
As with all reef life, the golden rule is look, but do not touch. Give the butterflyfish and the coral they feed on plenty of room, never chase a pair for a photo, and simply enjoy watching them go about their day. Move slowly and calmly, and they will often let you drift right alongside.
Meet the Masked Pairs for Yourself
The raccoon butterflyfish is one of those friendly, easy-to-spot fish that makes snorkeling in Waikiki so much fun. Once you learn that little mask, you will start noticing pairs everywhere. On a guided tour, our crew can help you find butterflyfish, turtles, and all the colorful reef life Waikiki is famous for. Come meet them up close.
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