[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Written by the Maui Snorkeling team, operating Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Garden tours out of Ma\u02bbalaea Harbor since 1985. Tours are led by USCG\u2011licensed captains aboard a USCG\u2011inspected passenger vessel.<\/a> We spend more days in these waters than on land.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Last updated: January 2026<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”50px|50px|50px|50px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”#0C71C3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Quick answer: The Hawaiian sergeant fish (Abudefduf abdominalis)\u2014called mamo in Hawaiian\u2014is an endemic damselfish with five vertical bars, common in Maui\u2019s shallow reefs.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||10px||false|false” global_module=”2336″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Snorkel Maui!” button_url=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.tripworks.com\/widgets\/tripBuilder?showDetail=1&defaultView=gallery&language=en” button_text=”Book Your Tour Today!” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.45) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0.5) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/molokini-morning-snorkeling-maui-lani-kai-ii.png” animation_style=”slide” border_width_all=”2px” border_style_all=”dashed” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Dive into the vibrant underwater world of Maui, where each snorkel adventure transforms into a mesmerizing exploration of colorful coral gardens and playful marine life.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you spend even a few minutes floating above a Maui reef, chances are you\u2019ll see a few black-barred, deep-bodied fish gliding through the blue. That\u2019s the Hawaiian Sergeant <\/strong>(Abudefduf abdominalis)\u2014known locally as mamo\u2014an energetic reef dweller found only in Hawai\u02bbi. These curious damselfish are easy to spot as they hover in small groups over rock ledges and surge channels, right where the ocean is alive with motion.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/hawaiian-sergeant-maui-snorkeling-tours.png” alt=”Underwater scene with colorful Hawaiian Sergeants in Maui” title_text=”Underwater scene with colorful Hawaiian Sergeants.” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(219,0,226,0.3)” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n These fish are widespread around the island, but some snorkeling spots make it easy to find them schooling close to the surface:<\/p>\n Pro Tip:<\/em><\/span> Head out on a bright, calm morning\u2014sergeants often feed near the surface when the light is high. When clouds roll in, they move a little deeper.<\/p>\n From winter through early summer, male Hawaiian Sergeants prepare for love by clearing a patch of rock for a nest. Once a female lays her eggs, the male guards them fiercely. Look closely (from a respectful distance), and you may see a purple-red patch of eggs\u2014a sure sign of a nesting site.<\/p>\n If a male is startled away, opportunists like butterflyfish and triggerfish may swoop in to snack on the eggs. So please watch from a distance to avoid triggering a reef-side feeding frenzy.<\/p>\n Fun fact:<\/span><\/em> these fish don\u2019t just look tough\u2014they sound tough. Males produce pops and grunts<\/a> during courtship and while defending their nests, sounds you might even hear underwater on a calm day.<\/p>\n Note:<\/em><\/span> Check out our Tropical Fish<\/a> guide!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Snorkel Molokini Crater” button_url=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.tripworks.com\/widgets\/tripBuilder?showDetail=1&defaultView=gallery&language=en” button_text=”Book Your Tour Today!” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.45) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0.5) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/couple-snorkeling-at-molokini-crater-on-maui-snorkeling-tour.png” animation_style=”slide” border_width_all=”2px” border_style_all=”dashed” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Swim and snorkel with a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs! Ride the 25 ft slide for extra fun!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nQuick ID: How to Recognize a Hawaiian Sergeant<\/h2>\n
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Where to See Them on Maui<\/h2>\n
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Courtship, Nests, and \u201cEgg Rain\u201d Drama<\/h2>\n
Similar Species: Don\u2019t Mix Up Your \u201cSergeants\u201d<\/h2>\n
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Snorkel-Smart Ways to See Them Up Close<\/h2>\n
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Fun Facts<\/h2>\n