Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded sleeper (Micropercops cinctus) is a freshwater fish of the family Odontobutidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The banded sleeper is a small sleeper goby from East Asia, in rivers, lakes and rice fields of China, Korea and surroundings. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, brownish body with dark cross-bars; breeding males colour up more vividly with blue and orange tones in the fins. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among water plants and hunts small invertebrates and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded sleeper?
The Banded sleeper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Dark vertical bars; males with blue-orange fins in the breeding season
Where does the Banded sleeper live?
The Banded sleeper lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. East Asia
How big does the Banded sleeper get?
The Banded sleeper grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Banded sleeper dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded sleeper is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Banded sleeper edible?
The Banded sleeper is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Odontobutidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded sleeper is one of 12,519 species in the app.