Fin's Fish Guide
The Swordtail sleeper goby (Asterropteryx ensifera) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Oceania: Australia, French Polynesia, Indonesia, Japan, Ryukyu Is., New Caledonia and others
Description
The swordtail sleeper goby is a small goby (Gobiidae) from shallow reef and rubble water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a stocky, dark body with glittering blue spots and a few elongated dorsal rays. As a bottom-dweller it sits among coral rubble, stones and sand and snaps at small crustaceans, worms and zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Swordtail sleeper goby?
The Swordtail sleeper goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Swordtail sleeper goby live?
The Swordtail sleeper goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, French Polynesia, Indonesia, Japan, Ryukyu Is., New Caledonia and others
How big does the Swordtail sleeper goby get?
The Swordtail sleeper goby grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Swordtail sleeper goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Swordtail sleeper goby 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.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Asterropteryx
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Swordtail sleeper goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Swordtail sleeper goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.