Spinycheek Sleeper Goby

Eleotris pisonis is among the most widespread sleeper gobies in the world, with populations found on both sides of the Atlantic in coastal freshwater, estuarine, and brackish habitats. It is a formidable ambush predator, lurking motionless on the substrate before engulfing prey with its wide mouth. The body is elongated and cylindrical with a grey-brown to dark olive base colour and cryptic dark mottling that blends seamlessly with muddy or sandy substrates. Its common name refers to the enlarged, spiny sub-orbital bones on the cheeks that distinguish it from similar species. Despite its predatory nature, it is not aggressive toward fish too large to eat and can be housed with similarly sized robust species. It is hardy and adaptable, tolerating significant variation in salinity and water chemistry.

Water: 22–28 °C, pH 7.0–8.0, GH 8–25, KH 4–15; fresh to brackish (SG up to 1.015); tolerant of variable conditions. Tank: 200 L minimum; muddy or sandy substrate; provide large cave or overhanging rock for ambush position. Feeding: Carnivore; feeder fish, large frozen foods such as prawns and mussel; can be trained to sinking pellets. Breeding: Benthic spawner; eggs guarded by male; fry have been raised; diadromous in nature. Compatibility: Predatory; keep only with fish larger than its mouth; good with large brackish species.