Sleepy cod

Fish Species
Oxyeleotris lineolata thumbnail

Oxyeleotris lineolata

  • Freshwater
  • Least concern
Max length17.75 in
Common length7.75 in
Length typeTotal Length
Water typeFreshwater
Water temperature68 - 82 °F

Fish info

Common names

Sleeper

IUCN Vulnerability status

  • Least concern

    • Short description

    Sleepy cod have elongated bodies and depressed heads with a straight profile. The scales on the body are ctenoid, cycloid on the nape, breast and belly, and cycloid scales on the head from dorsal fin to in between nostrils, on cheek and opercle. They have two dorsal fins, the first dorsal fin height is about half the body depth, and the second dorsal is slightly higher than the first. The caudal and pectoral fins are rounded. Pelvic fins are separate, about half-head length. They are dark brown along the back and paler on the sides, with fuzzy dark lines running along scale rows. Juveniles have a white or cream patch running along the back and top of the head, with brown sides and a white belly.

    Habitat

    Adults inhabit rivers, creeks and billabongs, usually in quiet or slow-flowing water among vegetation, around log debris or beneath undercut banks.

    Distribution

    Known in northern Australia from the Ord River area, WA, to Noosa, QLD, also occur in New Guinea.

    Behaviour

    Spawn between October and February. The male guards the nest, which is located on a solid surface, frequently on the ceiling of a rock crevice or on a submerged log. During the day juveniles tend to bury themselves in sand or debris, while larger fish lie still on the bottom. Sleepy cod remain motionless until prey passes by – then they will move rapidly to capture the prey. Prey includes shrimp, insects, frogs and small fish.

    Edibility

    They are one of the most favoured freshwater fish in Australia for eating, having white, flaky flesh, low-fat content, and a mild flavour.

    Lure suggestion

    Effective artificial lures are minnows, which should be retrieved "dead slow" at the bottom. As for flies, the sparkle bugger should work. Good bait: shrimp, live small fish, squid, dead prawns, liver, heart and chicken giblets.