Fat Sleeper Goby

Dormitator maculatus, the fat sleeper, is one of the most robust and widely distributed sleeper gobies in the Americas, found from North Carolina and the Gulf of Mexico south through the Caribbean and into Brazil. It inhabits a broad range of habitats from freshwater rivers and swamps to mangrove-lined brackish estuaries and even hypersaline lagoons. Its stocky, thick-set body is grey-brown to olive with a pattern of darker blotches and an iridescent blue spot behind the pectoral fin base. Despite its large potential size, it is a docile, slow-moving fish that poses little threat to tankmates it cannot swallow whole. It is omnivorous, accepting virtually any food offered, and is one of the hardiest gobies available. A good choice for aquarists interested in North or Central American brackish biotope tanks.

Water: 22–28 °C, pH 7.0–8.0, GH 8–25, KH 4–15; tolerates fresh to brackish (SG up to 1.010); very hardy. Tank: 200 L minimum; sand or gravel substrate; provide caves and overhangs for shelter; moderate filtration. Feeding: Omnivore; accepts pellets, frozen foods, worms, and vegetable matter; greedy feeder — avoid overfeeding. Breeding: Broadcasts eggs over hard substrate; male guards; fry have been raised in captivity. Compatibility: Peaceful toward fish too large to swallow; do not house with small fish or invertebrates.