Fin's Fish Guide
The Inshore lizardfish (Synodus foetens) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Synodontidae that grows up to 54 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, over sand and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The inshore lizardfish is a cigar-shaped bottom fish of the family Synodontidae (lizardfishes) reaching about 54 cm. The flattened, lizard-like head has large eyes on top and a wide mouth full of fine, needle-like teeth; a small adipose fin sits on the back. The species lives over sand and mud bottoms of coastal water and estuaries from the USA to Brazil and tolerates brackish water. It often buries itself up to the eyes in the sand and from there, as an ambush predator, shoots up lightning-fast at passing small fish and crustaceans, seizing them with its toothed mouth. Through its camouflage and sudden lunges it is a formidable bottom predator, though of little fishery value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Inshore lizardfish?
The Inshore lizardfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Cigar-shaped bottom fish with a lizard-like head, a wide mouth full of fine teeth and an adipose fin; buries itself in the sand.
Where does the Inshore lizardfish live?
The Inshore lizardfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, over sand and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Inshore lizardfish get?
The Inshore lizardfish grows to a maximum of about 54 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Inshore lizardfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Inshore lizardfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Inshore lizardfish edible?
The Inshore 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 Inshore lizardfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Inshore lizardfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.