How to Identify Greater Lizardfish

To identify Greater Lizardfish (Synodus synodus), look at these key features.

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

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   Eyes

   Note the dorsally positioned eyes, which are characteristic of ambush predators that bury themselves.

4. 4

   Adipose Fin

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

5. 5

   Pelvic Fins

   The large pelvic fins located anterior to the pectoral fins are also a good identifying feature.

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