The Mū (Monotaxis grandoculis) is the only representative of the Sparidae family in Hawaiian waters. It is an excellent food fish, once plentiful in Hawaiian markets, but it is now quite rare and commands a high price when available. This prize Mū was caught by David, a local Maui fisherman.
David shared with me why this fish was so special for him. “I was using a a`ama crab for bait. After catching a handful of eels this Mū decided to bite. When reeling it in and I finally saw that it was a Mū I was so happy as it’s always been on my wish list. It’s my first Mū and I’ve been fishing ever since I was a little kid, so pretty much my whole life.”
Congratulations David! Mahalo for giving me the honor of commemorating your catch with a gyotaku print. The Mū is one of my favorite fish to print, as it has such an expressive face as well as beautiful scales and markings.
