Eleotris oxycephala

Eleotridae

WWF HK status

Sharphead sleeper

尖頭塘鱧

Size

Typically, 5 – 15cm encountered in Hong Kong.

Identification

Stout cylindrical body with light brown dorsal side (sometimes banded) and dark lateral sides. Capable of changing body colour and patterns for camouflage. Sharper and less blunt head than Eleotris acanthopomus with a large mouth.

Description

Amphidromous species, with juveniles entering small streams and large rivers to reside and reproduce. Found from estuaries to lower sections of hill streams. More widespread and common than E. acanthopomus, usually distributed further inland but can occur together.