The Oopu Nopili (Sicyopterus stimpsoni) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
Stimpson's goby is a goby endemic to the streams of Hawaii. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky body with an inferior sucking mouth and a ventral sucking disc from the fused pelvic fins. Remarkably, after a marine larval phase the young enter the river mouths and can use mouth and disc to climb even high waterfalls to reach the upper reaches. With the sucking mouth it rasps algae and diatoms from stones. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Oopu Nopili?
The Oopu Nopili has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Oopu Nopili live?
The Oopu Nopili lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Oopu Nopili get?
The Oopu Nopili grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Oopu Nopili dangerous to humans?
No, the Oopu Nopili is harmless to humans.
Is the Oopu Nopili edible?
The Oopu Nopili is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sicyopterus
More from the family Gobiidae
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