ʻOʻopu Nākea

Pop Quiz: Name the native freshwater fish of Hawaiʻi.

Answer: ʻOʻopu, or the Hawaiian Goby.

On April 16 at 2:00 p.m., you can learn more about o’opu nakea, one of the five endemic, culturally significant, freshwater species of goby that exhibits an amphidromous life history. Tune in for Cody Ching’s online thesis proposal defense, Examining Rainfall as a Migratory Cue for ʻOʻopu Nākea (Hawaiian Goby; Awaous stamineus), for the Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Management.

Despite their importance in Hawaiian traditions, not much is known about this goby’s migratory patterns and life history, Cody explains. Filling in the knowledge gaps can better inform management and restoration efforts, help predict how populations will be affected due to climate change, and ensure the longevity of this culturally and ecologically important species.

“I am excited to research this native Hawaiian goby – an understudied species despite its cultural significance,” says Cody, also a CTAHR Student Ambassador. “I want to help preserve this ecologically important and culturally significant species for future generations.”