Diagnosis: Modal fin-ray counts of D-VII,9 A-10 Pect-14 indicate Dormitator maculatus. This is the only Caribbean eleotrid with more anal-fin elements than second-dorsal-fin elements (the eastern Pacific sleeper, Gobiomorus maculatus, shares this feature with a modal fin-ray count of D-VI,10 A-11). D. maculatus is also distinguished from the other eleotrids by the low pectoral-fin-ray count and the relatively low numbers of procurrent caudal-fin rays (7-9 vs. 10 or more in several other eleotrids). D. cubanus has been described as the Cuban form and D. lophocephalus as the Surinamese form, although the validity of these species is uncertain. (U) G2
Description: Body thin, long and narrow with a relatively small, often oval, eye and a terminal medium-sized mouth. Pelvic fins separate and short, pectoral fins short, dorsal and anal-fin bases short, caudal peduncle long and sharply narrowing, procurrent caudal-fin rays 7-9. Markings mostly along the ventral midline: melanophores usually as streaks extending from the isthmus to the mid-abdomen, ending at the swim bladder (which is the full thickness of the abdomen and provides a clear view of the retroperitoneum); there is often an additional small melanophore on the promontory just forward of the vent. There are four to six large melanophores along the bases of the last eight anal-fin rays (paired) and continuing as a streak of seven or eight large melanophores along the ventral peduncle ending at the start of the lower procurrent caudal-fin rays (the last in the series often larger and extends deeper into the musculature). There are melanophores at the base of most of the lower segmented caudal-fin rays, some variably extending along the length of the lower segmented caudal rays as well as sometimes on the distal half of the central segmented caudal-fin rays. Head markings consist of melanophores outlining the lower rim of the tip of the dentary of the lower jaw. Varying proportions of individuals in different daily collections possess a melanophore at the angle of the jaw, from none to most. There is usually a prominent "eyebrow" membrane lined with melanophores overlying the dorsal aspect of the upper third of the eyeball. Additional melanophores occur on the occasional individual in any combination of the following: on the proximal membranes of the anal-fin elements (usually the third and fourth, rarely all), overlying the cleithrum visible upon lifting the operculum, or on the outer operculum near the lower edge on each side. Internal melanophores typically surround the saccule (in most well-developed larvae) and are present along the dorsal surface of the swim bladder (none around the gut near the vent). Series of transitional larvae show development of the eye from a narrowed vertical oval, sometimes tilted slightly forward (occasionally backward), with the pupil off-center dorsally, a small posterior-inferior extension of the iris, and often a dorsal indentation in the iris) to almost rounded, sometimes tilted sharply backward.
Dormitator maculatus larva
Dormitator maculatus larvae
Dormitator maculatus larvae
Dormitator maculatus larva
Dormitator maculatus larva
Dormitator maculatus larva
Dormitator maculatus larva
Dormitator maculatus larva
Dormitator maculatus larva
Analogues: Larval Dormitator maculatus share a long thin body with relatively short dorsal and anal-fin bases and a long ventral midline streak from the isthmus to the mid-abdomen with the other eleotrid larvae. However, the larvae are distinctive in having relatively few procurrent caudal-fin rays.
The fat sleeper (Dormitator maculatus) is a species of fish belonging to the family Eleotridae, known for their flat heads; they are generally found in fresh water.
Fat sleepers are small fish that have two distinct dorsal fins and scaled, flat heads. Their tails are rounded.[3] They are fully scaled, and their fins are higher up on the body than other species. Their bodies are a darker brown, whereas their dorsal and anal fins are redder in color. They have a dark blue spot around their gill covers.[4]
The fat sleeper is found from the Bahamas and North Carolina to Brazil. It lives in intertidal areas on muddy bottoms, and is more frequent in brackish water. It can be found commonly in freshwater or saline coastal pools and river mouths.[4]
The fat sleeper (Dormitator maculatus) is a species of fish belonging to the family Eleotridae, known for their flat heads; they are generally found in fresh water.
