O'opu alamo'o
![Picture](/uploads/9/6/3/6/9636229/2900874.jpg)
On a trip to the Big Island in March, I discovered the the odd behavioral adaptaion of the O'opu fish. These critters climb up the rock face of waterfalls (such as Akaka Falls on the left) using suction cup fins in order to reach their spawning grounds. Akaka Falls plunges 442 ft. straight down!!
O'opu are endemic to Hawaii and several species live in the streams throughout the Hawaiian Islands. However, critical habitat loss has caused a steady decline in population size over the years.
O'opu are endemic to Hawaii and several species live in the streams throughout the Hawaiian Islands. However, critical habitat loss has caused a steady decline in population size over the years.