LIHU‘E — Scientists in Hawai‘i have made breakthroughs in studies of the popular yellow tang aquarium fish that could lead to a shift to aquaculture for procurement instead of wild catching.

An Oahu man faces federal charges after he allegedly ran an illegal aquarium fish smuggling operation with non-native, endangered species and protected Hawaii reef fish for sale starting at $300 each.

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2023 Shane Takasane faces federal charges for allegedly smuggling aquarium fish such as the Hawaii yellow tang, seen above in a snorkeling lagoon at Aulani Resort’s Rainbow Reef.