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Inotted lizardfish (Synodus evermanni) — Synodontidae

Inotted lizardfish

Synodus evermanni
Family: Synodontidae
LC · Least Concern

The Inotted lizardfish (Synodus evermanni) is a saltwater fish of the family Synodontidae that grows up to 47 cm.

Length
47.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
25.0–275.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Peru.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Evermann's lizardfish is a lizardfish (Synodontidae) from the eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Peru. The species reaches about 47 cm and has an elongate, cylindrical body with a large, lizard-like head and a wide mouth full of small, sharp teeth. The sandy-brown, mottled colour provides camouflage on the bottom. It lives on soft bottoms at depths of about 25 to 275 m, where it hides half-buried and lunges suddenly at passing fishes and invertebrates. Owing to its hidden habits the species is little noticed.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Inotted lizardfish?

The Inotted lizardfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Lizard-like head with a toothy mouth; stalking predator that buries itself half in the bottom.

Where does the Inotted lizardfish live?

The Inotted lizardfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Peru.

How big does the Inotted lizardfish get?

The Inotted lizardfish grows to a maximum of about 47 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.

Is the Inotted lizardfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Inotted lizardfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Inotted lizardfish edible?

The Inotted lizardfish is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Inotted lizardfish verified
Scientific name
Synodus evermanni
Family
Synodontidae
Other names
Lizardfish; Spotted lizardfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
47.2 verified
Average length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
25.0 verified
Max depth (m)
275.0 verified
Natural range
Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Peru. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes and invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Lizard-like head with a toothy mouth; stalking predator that buries itself half in the bottom. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Synodus

More from the family Synodontidae

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