Fish: Native Species
Scientific name: Kuhlia xenura
Common name(s): āholehole
Status: Endemic
Habitat: Habitat: Similar to ‘ama‘ama except they range much higher inland in the stream and common in estuary areas, and the lower sections of streams, can be found well inland to well above first major riffle area of stream.
Preferred Area of Stream: Very fast water runs and riffles, but also can be found in pools.
Range in Hawai‘i: Common in all Hawaiian waters
Diet: Very wide ranging diet and eats insects, crustaceans, ‘o‘opu hinana, algae, spiders, annelid and polychaete worms
Predators: Except for ‘auku‘u (black-crowned night-herons), āholehole have few predators when they are found in the upper reaches of the stream. Fish such as ulua (Caranx spp.), moi (Polydactylus sexfilis) and kākü (Sphyraena barracuda) will chase and eat young āholehole in estuarine regions.
Fact: āholehole are one of the most popular sportfish in Hawai‘i, with two species being found here. In Hawai‘i this species (Kuhila xenura) can be found both in streams and the ocean, while another closely related species of āholehole (Kuhlia sandvicensis) is only found in the ocean. |
