Come identificare Atlantic Lizardfish

Per identificare Atlantic Lizardfish (Synodus saurus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

elongated

Colorazione

Dorsal surface typically sandy brown to grayish, often with irregular darker blotches or saddles that aid in camouflage. The ventral side is lighter, whitish. A series of indistinct dark spots or bars may be present along the lateral line. The fins are generally translucent with some dusky markings.

Tipo di squame

cycloid

Posizione della bocca

superior

Caratteristiche distintive

Elongated, cylindrical body, tapering towards the tail., Large, broad head with a prominent, wide mouth extending well past the eye., Numerous sharp, needle-like teeth on both jaws, the tongue, and the roof of the mouth., Adipose fin present between the dorsal and caudal fins., Eyes located dorsally on the head, allowing for upward vision while buried.

Pinna dorsale

Single dorsal fin, typically with 10-13 soft rays. An adipose fin is present posterior to the dorsal fin.

Pinna caudale

Forked caudal fin.

Pinna pettorale

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

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins are large, located anterior to the pectoral fins, and have 8 rays, with the inner rays being longer than the outer ones. This allows them to act as props when resting on the substrate.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for the elongated, lizard-like body and cryptic sandy-brown coloration with irregular darker blotches. This helps it blend with the seafloor.

2. 2

   Head and Mouth

   Note the large, flattened head and the very wide mouth extending beyond the eye, armed with numerous sharp teeth. The eyes are positioned dorsally.

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 pelvic fins located anterior to the pectoral fins, with the inner rays longer than the outer ones, used for propping itself on the substrate.

Esplora Atlantic Lizardfish