Awaous stamineus

Awaous stamineus (otherwise known as ‘O‘opu nakea) is a species of goby native to the Hawaiian Islands.[1] It has been 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
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Gobiiformes
Family: Oxudercidae
Genus: Awaous
Species:
A. stamineus
Binomial name
Awaous stamineus
(Eydoux & Souleyet, 1850)
Synonyms
  • Gobius stamineus Eydoux & Souleyet, 1850
  • Chonophorus stamineus (Eydoux & Souleyet, 1850)

Description and Biology

‘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]

Distribution and Habitat

‘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 to 200 feet in strong currents.[7] They have a lot of predators such as birds like the ‘auku‘u (Black-crowned night heron) and other fishes like āholehole (dark-margined flagtail), ulua (trevallies), moi (pacific threadfin), and kākü (Sphyraena barracuda).[8]

Human use and Cultural Significance

They are eaten raw or cooked. The usual way to eat them is by salting them for 12 hours,[5] then wrap them in ti leaves and place them over hot coals.[5]

References
  1. Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2014). "Awaous stamineus" in FishBase. November 2014 version.
  2. 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.
  3. Eschmeyer, W. N.; R. Fricke & R. van der Laan, eds. (2 July 2018). "Catalog of Fishes". California Academy of Sciences. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  4. https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/150060
  5. http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document//Volume_60_1951/Memoir%3A_Native_use_of_fish_in_Hawaii%2C_by_Mary_Kawena_Pukui%2C_p_1-146/p1
  6. https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/files/2019/03/SWAP-2015-Awaous-oopu-nakea-Final-1.pdf
  7. https://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2006/5153/pdf/SIR2006-5153.pdf
  8. http://hbs.bishopmuseum.org/waipio/Critter%20pages/awaous.html



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