Fin's Fish Guide
The Small eyed sleeper (Prionobutis microps) is a brackish-water fish of the family Eleotridae that grows up to 23 cm.
From Thailand and Malaysia to northern Australia; mangrove estuaries and tidal creeks.
Description
The sleeper is a sleeper goby (Eleotridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a stocky body with a large head and small eyes. It inhabits brackish mangrove estuaries, tidal creeks and the lower reaches of freshwater streams. By day it keeps hidden among roots and leaf litter. As a slow ambush hunter it takes small fishes, shrimps and other invertebrates that come within reach. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Small eyed sleeper?
The Small eyed sleeper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Large head with small eyes; slow ambush predator of mangrove estuaries and tidal creeks.
Where does the Small eyed sleeper live?
The Small eyed sleeper lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. From Thailand and Malaysia to northern Australia; mangrove estuaries and tidal creeks.
How big does the Small eyed sleeper get?
The Small eyed sleeper grows to a maximum of about 23 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Small eyed sleeper dangerous to humans?
No, the Small eyed sleeper is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Small eyed sleeper edible?
The Small eyed sleeper is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Small eyed sleeper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Small eyed sleeper is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Eleotridae
Want the complete picture on the Small eyed sleeper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Small eyed sleeper is one of 12,519 species in the app.