Locally common in fresh or brackish water streams
near the ocean. Large tapering head, thick lips, and a dark spot
at the base of the tail. A delicacy enjoyed by native Hawaiians.
Attains 12 inches. Recent DNA analysis indicates the species is
endemic to Hawai'i but is closely related to and long-confused with Awaous guamensis
which is known from high islands of the Marianas, New Caledonia, and
Fiji.
http://www5.pbrc.hawaii.edu/ccrt/taras/site/aguamensis.html
http://www.asihcopeiaonline.org/doi/abs/10.1643/CI-11-027 |