User:Kaanoi3/Eleotris sandwicensis

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Eleotris sandwicensis, the Sandwich Island sleeper, Hawaiian sleeper, or oʻopu, is a species of fish in the family Eleotridae. It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and is the only endemic eleotrid in Hawaii. It can be found in marine, fresh, and brackish waters around the coast. Due to this capability of migrating between different marine environments, they are amphidromous.[3]  This fish is described as mottled black coloration with seven fins and can reach a length of 33 cm (13 inches). Due to the lack of the pelvic fins they are not very good climbers. In the Hawaiian language, the fish is also known as oʻopu, ʻoau, ʻowau, and hiʻu kole.

The distribution of E. sandwicensis is limited, as this species does not have the ability to travel upstream of steep waterfalls.[5]This is due to their lack of pelvic fins.[5]

Habitat
Lower reaches of streams and estuarine regions, wetland areas. Most common on O‘ahu. ‘O‘opu ‘akupa populations are stable in both altered and unaltered streams.[5]

Reproduction
Spawning happens in the freshwater and the nests are made in small crevices at the bottom of the stream. Eggs are then hatched 24 hours post birth. After their release they will flow into the sea where the offspring will spend a few months there before returning upstream. This is dependent on the tides and currents to bring them inshore. Egg lay hatching takes place in the spring during the night.

Growth and diet
Although E. sandwicensis is a predator that will eat any fish that can fit in it's mouth, it's favorite is the hïhïwai or Neritina granosa. They are fresh snails that graze on algae on hard surfaces in freshwater.

Ecology and living environment influencing growth
‘O‘opu akupa are difficult to keep in aquariums because they are very aggressive and will eat anything smaller than itself.

Conservation
Eleotris sandwicensis is being threatened due to the nutrients, pollution and chemicals that are in the water sources; the streams and ponds. [5] It is frequently attacked by the North American leech Myzobdella lugubris. [7]

Cultural significance
This species was valued for eating by native Hawaiians because of its tasty white meat. Today, the Eleotris sandwicensis or ‘o‘opu akupa are used as baitfish for pāpio, another native Hawaiian fish.