Sleeper Goby – Valenciennea yanoi

The Sleeper Goby, scientifically known as Valenciennea yanoi, is a small, fascinating fish species belonging to the Gobiidae family.

Description & Characteristics

The Sleeper Goby is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 5.4 cm. It exhibits a slender body shape and a characteristic elongated snout, making it easily recognizable. Its coloration is typically pale brown to grayish, often with darker markings along its sides. The Sleeper Goby possesses large, prominent eyes situated high on its head, providing it with excellent vision.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Sleeper Goby prefers a deep-water environment, with its usual depth range being between 13.0 and 20.0 meters. It is primarily found in the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans, extending from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. The Sleeper Goby is classified as a neritic fish, meaning it inhabits the waters overlying the continental shelf.

Taxonomy

The Sleeper Goby, Valenciennea yanoi, is scientifically classified as belonging to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. This taxonomic placement indicates that it belongs to the diverse and widespread group of fish known as gobies, which are characterized by their typically small size, elongated bodies, and often prominent eyes.

Feeding

The Sleeper Goby is a carnivorous fish, feeding primarily on small invertebrates such as crustaceans, worms, and zoobenthos. Its diet consists of organisms that it finds on the ocean floor, reflecting its preference for a benthic lifestyle.