Awaous stamineus, commonly known as ‘O‘opu nakea, is a species of goby native to the Hawaiian Islands.[1] It has been previously considered a synonym of Awaous guamensis but recent work based upon morphological and genetic differences has recognized Hawaiian populations as being distinct.[2] Consequently, Hawaiian Awaous are now recognized as a valid, distinct species.[1][3]
| Awaous stamineus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Gobiiformes |
| Family: | Oxudercidae |
| Genus: | Awaous |
| Species: | A. stamineus
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| Binomial name | |
| Awaous stamineus | |
| Synonyms | |
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Description and biology edit
‘O‘opu nakea are omnivores. Analyses of their gut volume have shown to consist 84% of filamentous algae and the other 16% of chironomids (non-biting midges).[4] ‘O‘opu nakea are about 14 inches long and have white streaks with speckles and a dark olive color.[5] They lay eggs downstream where the males and females guard the nest. The males make the nest and attract the females who then lay one clutch a year.[6]
Predators of this species include various birds, including the ‘auku‘u (black-crowned night heron), and other fishes, including āholehole (dark-margined flagtail), ulua (trevallies), moi (Pacific threadfin), and kākü (great barracuda).[7]
Distribution and habitat edit
‘O‘opu nakea are found in slow-moving waters especially on Kaua‘i during their annual spawning run to the stream mouth.[4] ‘O‘opu nakea swim-up stream between 10 and 200 feet in strong currents.[8]
Human use and cultural significance edit
They are eaten raw or cooked. The usual way to prepare them is by salting them for 12 hours,[5] then wrapping them in ti leaves and placing them over hot coals.[5]
References edit
- ^ a b Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2014). "Awaous stamineus" in FishBase. November 2014 version.
- ^ Lindstrom, Daniel P.; Blum, Michael J.; Walter, Ryan P.; Gagne, Roderick B.; Gilliam, James F. (2012). "Molecular and morphological evidence of distinct evolutionary lineages of Awaous guamensis in Hawai'i and Guam". Copeia. 2012 (2): 293–300. doi:10.1643/CI-11-027. S2CID 86528981.
- ^ Eschmeyer, W. N.; R. Fricke & R. van der Laan, eds. (2 July 2018). "Catalog of Fishes". California Academy of Sciences. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- ^ a b Anne M. Brasher. "Technical Report 1 13 : Monitoring the Distribution and Abundance of Native Gobies ('o'opu) in Waikolu and Pelekunu Streams on the Island of Moloka'i". Irma.nps.gov. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ a b c Margaret Titcomb; Mary Kawena Pukui. "NATIVE USE OF FISH IN HAWAII". The Journal of the Polynesian Society. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ "Freshwater Fishes : 'O'opu nākea (Awaous guamensis) SPECIES STATUS : IUCN Red List – Data Deficient" (PDF). Dlnr.hawaii.gov. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ "Awaous guamensis". Hbs.bishopmuseum.org. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "Effects of Surface-Water Diversion and Ground-Water Withdrawal on Streamflow and Habitat, Punaluu Stream, Oahu, Hawaii" (PDF). Pubs.usgs.gov. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
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