Fin's Fish Guide
The Flathead sleeper (Erotelis armiger) is a saltwater fish of the family Eleotridae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
The largescaled spinycheek sleeper is a sleeper goby of the family Eleotridae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 7 cm and has an elongate, dark body that can show a greenish sheen in the light. It inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries and mangrove areas with sand and mud bottoms. As a small bottom predator it often lies hidden and ambushes passing small invertebrates and small fishes. Sleepers owe their name to their motionless, seemingly sleeping posture. Owing to limited data the species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD). It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Flathead sleeper?
The Flathead sleeper has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Dark body with a greenish sheen; bottom ambush predator of estuaries and mangroves.
Where does the Flathead sleeper live?
The Flathead sleeper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; shallow coastal waters, estuaries and mangroves.
How big does the Flathead sleeper get?
The Flathead sleeper grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Flathead sleeper dangerous to humans?
No, the Flathead sleeper is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Flathead sleeper edible?
The Flathead sleeper is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Erotelis
More from the family Eleotridae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flathead sleeper is one of 12,519 species in the app.