Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appDescription
The Greater Lizardfish (Synodus synodus) is a predatory marine fish belonging to the family Synodontidae. It is characterized by its elongated, cylindrical body, large mouth, and cryptic coloration, which allows it to blend seamlessly with sandy or rocky substrates. This species is an ambush predator, often burying itself in the sand with only its eyes and mouth exposed, waiting for unsuspecting prey.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- Dorsal surface typically mottled brown, grey, or olive, often with darker saddles or blotches, providing excellent camouflage. Ventral surface is lighter, often whitish. Some individuals may exhibit faint vertical bars. The coloration can vary slightly depending on the substrate it inhabits.
- Scale type
- cycloid
- Mouth position
- superior
- Distinctive features
- Large, lizard-like head with a prominent snout, Large mouth extending well past the eye, armed with numerous sharp, needle-like teeth, Eyes located dorsally on the head, allowing it to see prey while buried, Adipose fin present (a small, fleshy fin without rays, located between the dorsal and caudal fins)
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin, typically with 10-13 soft rays. An adipose fin is present posterior to the dorsal fin.
- Tail fin
- Forked caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Relatively small pectoral fins, positioned low on the body.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are large and located anterior to the pectoral fins, often used to brace itself in the substrate.
Identification Tips
Body Shape and Coloration
Look for an elongated, cylindrical body with cryptic brown/grey/olive mottling, often with darker saddles, allowing it to blend with sandy or rocky bottoms.
Head and Mouth
Observe the large, lizard-like head with a prominent snout and a very large mouth extending well past the posterior margin of the eye. The mouth is filled with numerous sharp, visible teeth.
Eyes
Note the dorsally positioned eyes, which are characteristic of ambush predators that bury themselves.
Adipose Fin
Confirm the presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins, a key characteristic of the family Synodontidae.
Pelvic Fins
The large pelvic fins located anterior to the pectoral fins are also a good identifying feature.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow coastal waters, from the surf zone down to depths of about 100 meters (330 feet), though occasionally deeper.
- Environment
- Prefers sandy or rubble bottoms, seagrass beds, and rocky reefs where it can effectively camouflage and ambush prey. Often found near drop-offs or areas with strong currents.
- Geographic range
- Widespread in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and along the coasts of North and South America, as well as parts of the eastern Atlantic, including the Canary Islands and West Africa.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: advanced
- Temperament: aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 180 gallons (680 liters)
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Not suitable for community tanks with smaller fish. Can be kept with other large, robust, and fast-moving predatory fish of similar size. May consume invertebrates.
- Special requirements: Requires a deep sand bed (at least 4-6 inches) for burrowing. Ample open swimming space is also necessary. Excellent filtration and stable water parameters are crucial. Live or frozen meaty foods are essential for its diet.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: No specific seasonal patterns for availability; present year-round in its range.
- Market price: Low
- Commercial importance: low
- Taste: Mild, somewhat bland
- Texture: Flaky, bony
- Cooking methods: Frying, Baking, Grilling
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though not a primary food fish due to its bony nature.
Key Facts
Ambush Predatorbehavior
The Greater Lizardfish is a classic ambush predator, often burying itself in the sand with only its eyes and mouth exposed, waiting for prey to swim by.
Cryptic Camouflageamazing
Its mottled coloration provides exceptional camouflage, allowing it to blend almost perfectly with sandy or rocky substrates, making it difficult for both prey and predators to spot.
Voracious Appetitebehavior
Despite its relatively small size, the Greater Lizardfish has a voracious appetite and will consume a wide variety of smaller fish and crustaceans.
Adipose Fininteresting
The presence of an adipose fin, a small fleshy fin without rays, is a distinguishing characteristic of the lizardfish family (Synodontidae).
Safety Information
Handle with care- Safety level: caution
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: While not venomous, Greater Lizardfish possess numerous sharp, needle-like teeth. Care should be taken when handling to avoid bites, which can be painful and lead to infection. Use gloves or a fish gripper if necessary. They are known to thrash vigorously when caught.
Similar Species
Sand Diver
Synodus intermedius
Synodus intermedius typically has a more slender body and often exhibits a series of dark, rectangular blotches along its lateral line, which are usually more distinct than the saddles on S. synodus. The snout of S. intermedius is also generally longer and more pointed.
Inshore Lizardfish
Synodus foetens
Synodus foetens is generally larger and has a more pronounced, flattened head. Its coloration tends to be more uniformly brownish or grayish, often lacking the distinct saddles or blotches seen in S. synodus. The mouth of S. foetens is also proportionally larger.
Red Lizardfish
Synodus saurus
Synodus saurus is typically smaller and has a more reddish or pinkish hue, especially when found on rocky or coral substrates. It often has a series of faint, reddish-brown crossbars. Its geographic range is primarily in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Aulopiformes
- Family
- Synodontidae
- Genus
- Synodus
- Species
- synodus
Explore Greater Lizardfish
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.