Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotted sleeper (Eleotris picta) is a brackish-water fish of the family Eleotridae that grows up to 44 cm.
Eastern Pacific of Central and South America; rivers and standing waters, also brackish.
Description
The spotted sleeper is a sleeper goby of the family Eleotridae from the eastern Pacific of Central and South America. The species grows to about 44 cm and has an elongate, dark-spotted body with a broad, flattened head. It inhabits rivers of low to high current velocity and stagnant waters, from sea level to about 100 metres elevation, and tolerates brackish water. As a bottom predator it often lies hidden and ambushes passing small fishes, crustaceans and insects. Sleepers owe their name to their motionless posture. The species is eaten locally and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotted sleeper?
The Spotted sleeper has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Dark-blotched body with a broad, flattened head; bottom ambush predator of rivers and estuaries.
Where does the Spotted sleeper live?
The Spotted sleeper lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific of Central and South America; rivers and standing waters, also brackish.
How big does the Spotted sleeper get?
The Spotted sleeper grows to a maximum of about 44 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Spotted sleeper dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotted sleeper is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spotted sleeper edible?
The Spotted sleeper is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Eleotris
More from the family Eleotridae
Want the complete picture on the Spotted sleeper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotted sleeper is one of 12,519 species in the app.