Fin's Fish Guide
The Widehead sleeper (Eleotris mauritiana) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Eleotridae that grows up to 25 cm.
Africa: Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Philippines, Reunion I. and others
Description
The Widehead sleeper is a sleeper goby (Eleotridae) from fresh and brackish water of lower river reaches, estuaries and mangroves of the islands of the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, dark-brown body with a broad head and separate pelvic fins. As a bottom-oriented ambush hunter it shelters among roots, plants and leaf litter and seizes small fish, crustaceans and insects. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Widehead sleeper?
The Widehead sleeper has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Widehead sleeper live?
The Widehead sleeper lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Philippines, Reunion I. and others
How big does the Widehead sleeper get?
The Widehead sleeper grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Widehead sleeper dangerous to humans?
No, the Widehead 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.
Want the complete picture on the Widehead sleeper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Widehead sleeper is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Widehead sleeper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Widehead sleeper is one of 12,519 species in the app.