Awaous stamineus
| Awaous stamineus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Gobiiformes |
| Family: | Oxudercidae |
| Genus: | Awaous |
| Species: | A. stamineus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Awaous stamineus | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Awaous stamineus, commonly known as ʻOʻopu nakea, is a species of goby native to the Hawaiian Islands.[2] 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.[3] Consequently, Hawaiian Awaous are now recognized as a valid, distinct species.[2][4]
Description and biology
ʻOʻopu 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).[5] ʻOʻopu nakea are about 14 inches (36 cm) long and have white streaks with speckles and a dark olive color.[6] 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.[7]
Predators of this species include various birds, including the ʻaukuʻu (black-crowned night heron), and other fishes, including āholehole (dark-margined flagtail), ulua (trevallies), moi (Pacific threadfin), and kākü (great barracuda).[8]
Distribution and habitat
ʻOʻopu nakea are found in slow-moving waters especially on Kauaʻi during their annual spawning run to the stream mouth.[5] ʻOʻopu nakea swim-up stream between 10 and 200 feet (3 and 61 m) in strong currents.[9]
Human use and cultural significance
They are eaten raw or cooked. The usual way to prepare them is by salting them for 12 hours,[6] then wrapping them in ti leaves and placing them over hot coals.[6]
References
- ^ "Awaous stamineus". NatureServe Explorer. NatureServe. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
- ^ a b Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Awaous stamineus". 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 Hawaiʻi and Guam". Copeia. 2012 (2): 293–300. Bibcode:2012Copei2012..293L. doi:10.1643/CI-11-027. S2CID 86528981.
- ^ Eschmeyer, William N.; Fricke, Ron & van der Laan, Richard (eds.). "Awaous stamineus". Catalog of Fishes. California Academy of Sciences. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- ^ a b Anne M. Brasher (February 1996). Monitoring the Distribution and Abundance of Native Gobies (ʻoʻopu) in Waikolu and Pelekunu Streams on the Island of Molokaʻi (Technical report). 113. 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 : ʻOʻopu 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.