Fin's Fish Guide
The Diamond lizardfish (Synodus synodus) is a saltwater fish of the family Synodontidae that grows up to 43 cm.
Eastern Atlantic (Madeira, Canary Islands, St. Helena to São Tomé) and western Atlantic (Florida to Uruguay), including the Caribbean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The diamond lizardfish is an elongate bottom-dwelling fish of the family Synodontidae reaching about 43 cm. It has a lizard-like head with large eyes and a wide mouth full of fine needle teeth. The brown body shows four conspicuous reddish bars across the back. It is an ambush predator that rests on rocks and hard substrate and strikes suddenly at passing fish. The diamond lizardfish lives in shallow reef waters of the eastern and western Atlantic, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, usually between 2 and 35 m. The species is rarely eaten and has only limited commercial value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Diamond lizardfish?
The Diamond lizardfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Elongate bottom fish with a lizard-like head and a large mouth full of needle teeth; rests on hard bottoms and attacks prey from ambush.
Where does the Diamond lizardfish live?
The Diamond lizardfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic (Madeira, Canary Islands, St. Helena to São Tomé) and western Atlantic (Florida to Uruguay), including the Caribbean and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Diamond lizardfish get?
The Diamond lizardfish grows to a maximum of about 43 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Diamond lizardfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Diamond lizardfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Diamond lizardfish edible?
The Diamond lizardfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Synodus
More from the family Synodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Diamond lizardfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Diamond lizardfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.