Pacific Sleeper
Dormilón Manchado
(Gobiomorus maculates)

Pacific Sleeper, Gobiomorus maculates: The Pacific Sleeper is one of several fresh water Sleepers which are not well known, not studied in any detail, and therefore not well documented, making for confusion with other fish species.

The Pacific Sleeper has an elongated cylindrical body that narrows in the rear. It has dark mottled brown coloration. The head is large and conical, with a long sharp snout, a longitudinal oval eye, and a large oblique mouth with the lower jaw projecting.

The Pacific Sleeper has large gill openings extending forward to under the mouth. The head and body are covered with large scales. The caudal and dorsal fins are clear with rows of small spots on the membranes; the anal, pectoral and pelvic fins are clear; the pectoral fin has a dark ban at the base.

The Pacific Sleeper is found in the first 15 feet of the water column. It reaches 14 inches in length.

Distribution in Mexico fishing areas

In Mexican fishing waters the Pacific Sleeper is found in fresh water and brackish tidal areas on the east coast of the Baja California peninsula between La Paz and Cabo San Lucas and along the coast of the Mexican mainland south to Guatemala.

The Pacific Sleeper is a member of the Eleotridae Family which includes the Gudgeons and Sleepers which are know in Mexico as Guavinas. Globally there are 150 members of the Eleotridae Family found in 35 genera, of which 3 members are from the Gobiomorus Genus. All family members are found in fresh (agua dulce) and brackish waters, expiring quickly if the salinity becomes excessive. Eleotridae are characterized by having deep bodies (with the deepest part occurring before the second dorsal fin), two distinct well-separated dorsal fins, a broad head with a short snout and a large oblique mouth, a short dorsal fin base, no lateral line, and bodies covered with scales. A key to identification is that the first dorsal fin has seven spines (versus six in the similar appearing members of the Hemieleotris Genus) and the base of the second dorsal fin is shorter than the distance between it and the caudal fin.

Pacific Sleeper

Pacific Sleeper, Gobiomorus maculates: Caught while fishing out of the San José del Cabo river lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in August 2008, by locals utilizing a cast net. Sizes range from 12.0 to 28.5 cm. Adult, juvenile upon collection, juvenile, male and female pictured above. Identification courtesy of Dr. Phil Hastings and reconfirmed by H.J. Walker, Jr., Scripps Institute of Oceanography, La Jolla, Calif. Description and photos courtesy of John Snow.

Pacific Sleeper fish picture 1

Pacific Sleeper fish picture 3

Pacific Sleeper fish picture 4

Pacific Sleeper fish picture 5

Pacific Sleeper, Gobiomorus maculates: Caught fishing out of the San José del Cabo river lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in August 2008, by locals utilizing a cast net. Sizes range from 12.0 to 28.5 cm. Adult, juvenile upon collection, juvenile, male and female pictured above. Identification courtesy of Dr. Phil Hastings and reconfirmed by H.J. Walker, Jr., Scripps Institute of Oceanography, La Jolla, Calif. Description and photos courtesy of John Snow.

Mexico Fishing Home Page < Fish Photo List < Pacific Sleeper

Copyright ©