Sleeper Goby

Diagnosis: 14-24 predorsal scales, usually 19-22; cheek and opercle scaled (Ref. 81660). 28-33 scales in longitudinal series (including 2 or 3 scales on caudal fin base)(Ref. 57413). 8-12 scales in rearward transverse series (Ref. 57413, 81660). 1st dorsal fin: VI-VII; 2nd dorsal fin: I,7-9; anal fin: I,9-10; pectoral fins: 11-14 (Ref. 57413, 81660). Caudal fin rounded with 15 segmented rays, 13 of which are branched (Ref. 57413). Sensory canals absent on head (Ref. 57413), sensory papillae on cheek form horizontal rows (Ref. 81660). About 10 gill rakers on upper limb, and 20 on lower limb of first gill arch (Ref. 57413), 29-37 in total (Ref. 81660).Coloration: Preserved specimens: brownish (Ref. 57413, 81660) or tan (Ref. 81660) dorsally on head and body. Ventral surface of belly pale (Ref. 57413). Most mid-lateral scales with spots equal in depth to scales forming an interrupted band extending from pectoral fin base to caudal fin base (Ref. 81660). About 2 longitudinal bands sometimes present just dorsal to midline of scales (Ref. 57413). Dark brown or black spot just posterior and dorsal to operculum (Ref. 57413), above the pectoral fin base on side of nape extending onto upper pectoral fin base (Ref. 81660), sometimes a smaller spot below this (Ref. 57413). Dorsum with 7-8 irregular dark saddles, becoming lighter ventrally below the mid-lateral row of spots; thin infraorbital bar reaching from eye just behind angle of jaw to edge of gular fold; a pair of dark bands running posteriorly from lower half of eye to edge of preopercle (Ref. 81660). Vertical brown bar at base of caudal fin (Ref. 57413). First dorsal fin with 3-4 horizontal bands, second dorsal fin with 3-4 rows of interradial spots (Ref. 81660). Caudal fin with several vertical, crescentric bands of small spots (Ref. 57413, 81660). Anal fin light brown (Ref. 57413), with 3 discretely edged horizontal bands (Ref. 81660). Pelvics light brown with central rays sometimes darker (Ref. 57413), dark line crossing bases of rays (Ref. 81660). Pectorals transparent (Ref. 57413) or dusky (Ref. 81660). Live specimens: pale olive-green on back and white on belly; red-brown spots on 1st dorsal, 2nd dorsal and anal fins, latter 2 also with light yellow spots near distal margin; caudal fin with red-brown spots near base, and yellow or orange spots posteriorly (Ref. 57413).

Spawns in caves or on top of plants. Sometimes several females spawn with one male.

Amphidromous. Refers to fishes that regularly migrate between freshwater and the sea (in both directions), but not for the purpose of breeding, as in anadromous and catadromous species. Sub-division of diadromous. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.Characteristic elements in amphidromy are: reproduction in fresh water, passage to sea by newly hatched larvae, a period of feeding and growing at sea usually a few months long, return to fresh water of well-grown juveniles, a further period of feeding and growing in fresh water, followed by reproduction there (Ref. 82692).

Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 9; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 9 - 10

Feeds basically on algae, mosquito larvae and detritus (Ref. 42628).

Inhabits brackish water estuaries, creeks, lagoons and mangrove areas; occasionally enters freshwater (Ref. 7391, 57413, 81660). Known to be tolerant of wide range of salinity. Used as bio-control agents, e.g., use in control of mosquito larva (Ref. 42628). Endemic to West African coastline from Senegal to the Cunene River in Namibia (Ref. 92840).

fisheries: of no interest

Dormitator lebretonis is a species of fish in the family Eleotridae found in the Eastern Atlantic from Senegal to the Kunene River in Namibia. Males of this species can reach a length of 12.4 cm (4.9 in),