Asian sleeper — a Eleotridae from southern Chinese coasts and estuaries, peaceful except over a chosen cave. Reaches 14.2–20.9 cm; pairs or small groups with ample hiding spots. 18–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
14.2–20.9 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful except over a chosen cave
Origin
southern Chinese coasts and estuaries
Species overview
Eleotris acanthopoma, a member of the family Eleotridae, is native to southern Chinese coasts and estuaries. Every rock overhang is real estate; give each fish a cave and the tank stays peaceful. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 14.2–20.9 cm. Pairs or small groups with ample hiding spots. Provide fine sand or smooth gravel, a cave per fish, and gentle to moderate flow. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Pairs or small groups with ample hiding spots
Diet
Predatory bottom-picker; offer varied small fare
Recommended tankmates
Shrimps in a species setup — A classic pairing for the dedicated
Avoid keeping with
Other gobies of the same species without extra caves — Territorial wars over refuges
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Lays eggs in a sheltered cavity; males fan and guard