Fin's Fish Guide
The Emerald sleeper (Erotelis smaragdus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Eleotridae that grows up to 20 cm.
Western Atlantic and Caribbean; sand and marl bottoms and mangrove areas.
Description
The emerald sleeper is a sleeper goby of the family Eleotridae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, dark body that can show a greenish, emerald sheen in the light. It inhabits sand and marl bottoms in full-salinity coastal water and mangrove areas. As a bottom predator it often lies hidden and ambushes passing small fishes and invertebrates. Sleepers owe their name to their motionless, seemingly sleeping posture. The species is harmless to humans and of little fishery interest.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Emerald sleeper?
The Emerald sleeper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Dark body with a greenish sheen; bottom ambush predator in coastal waters and mangroves.
Where does the Emerald sleeper live?
The Emerald sleeper lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; sand and marl bottoms and mangrove areas.
How big does the Emerald sleeper get?
The Emerald sleeper grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Emerald sleeper dangerous to humans?
No, the Emerald sleeper is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Emerald sleeper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Emerald sleeper is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Erotelis
More from the family Eleotridae
Want the complete picture on the Emerald sleeper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Emerald sleeper is one of 12,519 species in the app.