Fin's Fish Guide
The Freshwater sleeper (Odontobutis potamophila) is a freshwater fish of the family Odontobutidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The Chinese freshwater sleeper is a sleeper from fresh water in China and Vietnam. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, dark mottled body with a large mouth and two separate dorsal fins. As a bottom-dweller it often lies motionless on the bottom and is an ambush hunter that lurks for small fish and invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans. Owing to insufficient data the IUCN lists the species as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Freshwater sleeper?
The Freshwater sleeper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Dark marbled ambush predator with a large mouth
Where does the Freshwater sleeper live?
The Freshwater sleeper lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. East Asia
How big does the Freshwater sleeper get?
The Freshwater sleeper grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Freshwater sleeper dangerous to humans?
No, the Freshwater 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 Freshwater sleeper edible?
The Freshwater sleeper is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Odontobutis
More from the family Odontobutidae
Want the complete picture on the Freshwater sleeper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Freshwater sleeper is one of 12,519 species in the app.