The o'opu nakea (Goby) is described as having molted brown and black scales with white on its stomach. It is the largest Hawaiian goby. The o'opu Nakea is the only goby that is indigenous and can be found in other Pacific Islands.

The o'opu nakea lives in the lower to middle section of the stream reaches. The o'opu nakea feasts on green algae, crustaceans, worms, snails, and other aquatic insects.

Until recently, people did not know this fish's history. Early Hawaiians loved to eat this fish and some people still fish for this fish elsewhere.