User:TiaraLeslie/Eleotris sandwicensis

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O’opu akupa (Eleotris sandwicensis) are gobies that inhabit Hawaii and are the only endemic eleotrid. Without pelvic fin disks that native gobies normally have, this specific species is not able to maintain a suction to climb and therefore, they cannot travel upstream. Their eggs are laid downstream and then flow to the ocean where they will develop into oceanic larvae. Currents and waves are one of their only options to be carried onshore.

Distribution and Habitat
“O’opu Akupa can be found on all common Hawaiian Islands. They reside in lower reaches of streams, pools, and runs. Their species can thrive in altered and unaltered streams.

Diet
Their diets consist of aquatic insects, small fish, and even hihiwai or opihi ( snail).

Threats
Habitat degradation is a minor threat. Their response of high tolerance to stress won’t affect adult ‘O’opu Akupa much. However, it can prevent the carrying of offspring to the ocean and the return of passage to shore. Water pollution is also a common threat. And exotic diseases or introduced species can pose a threat. Other wildlife that are threatening are ‘Auku’u (bird), ‘Aholohole (fish), and Ulua (fish).

Cultural Significance
‘O’opu Akupa used to be valued for eating by Hawaiians. As of today they are mainly used as bait. They are also a tough species to keep in an aquarium because they will prey on all other fish that are smaller.