Eleotris senegalensis (Senegalese sleeper goby)

(Source: Fishbase, 2019)

Scientific Name: Eleotris senegalensis

Common Name: Senegalese sleeper goby

Genus: Eleotris

Species: senegalensis

Ijaw Name: -----

Family: Eleotridae

Habitat: Freshwater and brackish environments, especially coastal waters, river estuaries

Gear Type: -----

Season of Occurrence: -----

Description: Senegalese sleeper goby is a fish species commonly known as the Senegalese sleeper goby. Found in tropical regions, this species occupies freshwater and brackish environments, especially coastal waters and river estuaries across West Africa, from Senegal down to Angola. Amphidromous in nature, the Senegalese sleeper goby has both marine and freshwater stages in its lifecycle. This species is relatively small, reaching a maximum length of about 22.4 cm. It has distinguishing dark pigmentation along the body, including a broad stripe along the flanks, and a unique sensory structure on its head called a "forked row" of sensory papillae on the opercle. Its dorsal fin structure includes 6-7 spines and 8-9 soft rays, while the anal fin has a single spine and 7-9 soft rays. In terms of conservation, Eleotris senegalensis is classified as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, meaning it currently faces no significant threats. However, it is of limited interest to fisheries and is generally harmless to humans. The species primarily feeds on smaller fish and invertebrates within its habitat, contributing to the balance of its ecosystem.