Fin's Fish Guide
The Sharphead sleeper (Eleotris oxycephala) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Eleotridae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
The sharphead sleeper is a sleeper goby of the family Eleotridae from East Asia. The species grows to about 19 cm and has an elongate, dark mottled body with a flattened, pointed head and a large mouth. As a euryhaline species it inhabits the lower reaches of rivers, estuaries and mangroves and tolerates brackish water. As a nocturnal ambush bottom predator it lies motionless in wait and seizes small fishes, shrimps and insect larvae. Unlike true gobies, sleepers have separate pelvic fins without a sucker. The species is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sharphead sleeper?
The Sharphead sleeper has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Flattened, pointed head with a large mouth; nocturnal ambush predator of estuaries and mangroves.
Where does the Sharphead sleeper live?
The Sharphead sleeper lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. East Asia; lower reaches of rivers, estuaries and mangroves.
How big does the Sharphead sleeper get?
The Sharphead sleeper grows to a maximum of about 19 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Sharphead sleeper dangerous to humans?
No, the Sharphead sleeper is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sharphead sleeper edible?
The Sharphead sleeper is rarely eaten.
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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 Sharphead sleeper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sharphead sleeper is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone