Awaous stamineus | |
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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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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]
‘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]
‘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]
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]