Fat Sleeper Goby - (Dormitator maculatus)

🐟 Fat Sleeper Goby (Dormitator maculatus)

The Fat Sleeper Goby is a large, hardy, and adaptable brackish-to-freshwater fish found in coastal streams, estuaries, and lagoons across the Americas. Known for its robust body and mottled pattern, it is a stealthy predator with a calm demeanor when housed with appropriate tankmates.

🔍 Quick Facts

• 🆔 Common Name: Fat Sleeper Goby
• 🧬 Scientific Name: Dormitator maculatus
• 🧬 Family: Eleotridae
• 🌎 Origin: Coastal regions of North, Central, and South America
• 📏 Max Size: 24 inches (61 cm)

🕊️ Behavior & Temperament

• 🐟 Generally peaceful but predatory toward smaller fish
• 🌙 Often rests on the substrate, “sitting” like a sleeper
• 🏞️ Highly adaptable—tolerates both fresh and brackish water
• 🐠 Best kept with similarly sized, non-aggressive tankmates

🏡 Tank Requirements

• 🛁 Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons for adults
• 🪵 Sand or fine gravel substrate
• 🌱 Driftwood, rocks, and hiding places recommended
• 💨 Moderate water flow with strong filtration
• 🌊 Can be kept in freshwater or low-end brackish setups

Water Parameters:

• 🌡️ Temperature: 20–28°C (68–82°F)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–8.0
• 💧 Fresh to low brackish salinity

📊 Overview Table

📝 Snippet

The Fat Sleeper Goby (Dormitator maculatus) is a large, adaptable predator that thrives in both fresh and brackish environments. Its calm nature with similarly sized tankmates makes it a unique choice for large aquarium setups.