Of all the species of O‘opu, L. concolor is found over the widest range of altitudes, ranging from sea level to 1,000 meters above sea level. Mature individuals usually reside in the middle to upper stream reaches at elevations from 50 to more than 500 meters. Today, this O‘opu is much less abundant than other species. It is likely that critical habitat streams for L. concolor make up less than half the total number of streams that the species currently resides in. L. concolor was nominated for endangered species category 1 listing, but unfortunately, listing was denied. Gut content analyses indicate that algae composes a major portion of the diet of L. concolor. This species has the ability to scrape algae from rocks, and is also capable of picking-biting and filtering food particles from the water column and sediments. It is likely that this O‘opu feeds mostly on algae, but occasionally consumes invertebrates as well. A study determined that the breeding season for this species ranges from October to June, with a peak in late winter and early spring. Nesting seems to take place within the typical adult habitat of the species, and there is no evidence of a spawning migration to breeding grounds. Mature males are strongly aggressive and territorial. During courtship, and when displaying aggression, males take on a striking two tone color pattern. The anterior of the fish becomes black, and the posterior becomes orange. When not displaying, the males return to a color pattern similar to that of females. It is this sexual dimorphism that initially led scientists to believe that two species of Lentipes existed in Hawaii. This O‘opu is endemic to Hawaii.
Photo by Yamamoto and Tagawa