Shellfish species are not widespread in Hawaii, but do exist.
With its islands located in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaiian water is too warm for most common shellfish species. Shellfish are predominantly filter-feeders, but Hawaiian waters have little for these species to filter. However, some common shellfish species can be found in Hawaii. Exotic crabs, lobsters, limpets and shrimps are found under rocks and buried in sand throughout the state. These species are known by their scientific and English names, but are also named in the regional Hawaiian dialect.
Crabs
Three types of crab are found in Hawaii: Kona crab, kuahonu crab and Samoan crab. Kona and kuahonu crabs are found in hotter areas of the Indian and Pacific oceans. Kona crabs bury themselves in the barer parts of Hawaii's sandy seafloor, whereas kuahonu crabs reside on muddy or sandy seafloors. Samoan crabs are found in the Indian and Pacific oceans, as well as the Gulf of Mexico. They were introduced to Hawaii from Samoa in 1926, and are found along shorelines, river mouths and in mangrove forest throughout the islands of Hawaii.
Lobsters
Hawaiian lobsters are rare, due to excessive fishing and an inhospitable environment for this type of shellfish. However, there are two lobster types still in existence: spiny and slipper lobsters. Ula, the Hawaiian spiny lobster, has been considered a rare species since 2000. To help save the species from extinction, in 2000 the federal government closed Hawaii's main fishery covering the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Antarctic slipper, hump-backed slipper, regal slipper and timid slipper lobsters have flattened bodies, small claws and recessed eyes. In the daytime, they reside in crevices and caves along the reef, while at night, they come out of their shelter to feed on the reef.
Limpets
Hawaiian limpets, known as 'Opihi in the region, are regarded as a delicacy. They are also depicted as gods, protecting families from sharks and natural disasters. They live along rocky shorelines that regularly encounter heavy surf. They have domed shell to protect them from the ocean's waves, and the shell's grooves are designed to drain off water. Their shells make them look like crabs but 'Opihi are, in fact, sea snails.
Shrimps
Hawaii is home to numerous species of red and green shrimp. Hawaiian Red Shrimp, known locally as Opae ula, are the most common and recognizable in Hawaii. Opae ula come from anchialine ponds in Hawaii. Although they prefer brackish water, they can survive in many hostile environments. They have evolved to tolerate temperature and salinity extremes. They can also live without algae, their source of food, for months or even years. Because of their adaptability and survival instincts, Opae ula are often referred to as "Super Shrimp."
Tags: common shellfish, common shellfish species, crabs found, found Hawaii, Indian Pacific, Indian Pacific oceans