How to Identify Inshore Lizardfish

To identify Inshore Lizardfish (Synodus foetens), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically light brown to olive-green, often with irregular darker blotches or saddles that aid in camouflage. The ventral surface is whitish. Some individuals may exhibit faint crossbars along the flanks. The coloration can vary slightly depending on the substrate.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Lizard-like head with large, forward-facing eyes, Large mouth extending well past the eye, armed with numerous sharp, needle-like teeth, Adipose fin present between the dorsal and caudal fins, Elongated, cylindrical body tapering towards the caudal fin

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, typically with 10-13 soft rays. Originates anterior to the pelvic fin insertion.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin, moderately sized.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small, positioned low on the body, with 11-13 rays.

Distinctive fins

Adipose fin present, small and fleshy, lacking rays. Pelvic fins are large, located abdominally, with 8 rays, and are often used to prop the fish up on the substrate.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for an elongated, cylindrical body with cryptic brown/olive coloration and irregular blotches, allowing it to blend with sandy bottoms.

2. 2

   Head and Mouth

   Note the distinctive lizard-like head with large eyes and a very large mouth extending beyond the posterior margin of the eye, filled with numerous sharp teeth.

3. 3

   Adipose Fin

   The presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins is a key characteristic of the family Synodontidae.

4. 4

   Pelvic Fins

   Observe the large, abdominally placed pelvic fins, which are often spread out and used to support the fish on the substrate.

Explore Inshore Lizardfish