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Golden sleeper (Neodontobutis aurarmus) — Odontobutidae

Golden sleeper

Neodontobutis aurarmus
Family: Odontobutidae

The Golden sleeper (Neodontobutis aurarmus) is a freshwater fish of the family Odontobutidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
2.0–2.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Laos, Thailand

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Description

The golden sleeper is a small freshwater sleeper (Odontobutidae) from clear streams and pools of Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky, yellow-brown body with dark marbling and separate pelvic fins. As a bottom-oriented ambush hunter it shelters among stones, roots and leaf litter and seizes small crustaceans, insect larvae and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Golden sleeper?

The Golden sleeper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Golden sleeper live?

The Golden sleeper lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Laos, Thailand

How big does the Golden sleeper get?

The Golden sleeper grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Golden sleeper dangerous to humans?

No, the Golden 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Golden sleeper sourced
Scientific name
Neodontobutis aurarmus
Family
Odontobutidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
2.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Laos, Thailand sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Odontobutidae

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