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Redmarbled lizardfish (Synodus rubromarmoratus) — Synodontidae

Redmarbled lizardfish

Synodus rubromarmoratus
Family: Synodontidae

The Redmarbled lizardfish (Synodus rubromarmoratus) is a saltwater fish of the family Synodontidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
5.0–50.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, Guam, Hong Kong and others

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Description

The redmarbled lizardfish is a lizardfish (Synodontidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, cylindrical body with a lizard-like, toothed head and a red-brown mottled pattern. As an ambush hunter it lies motionless, often half-buried, on sand and reef bottoms and darts up to seize passing small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redmarbled lizardfish?

The Redmarbled lizardfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Redmarbled lizardfish live?

The Redmarbled lizardfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, Guam, Hong Kong and others

How big does the Redmarbled lizardfish get?

The Redmarbled lizardfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Redmarbled lizardfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Redmarbled lizardfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Redmarbled lizardfish (Synodus rubromarmoratus) — Synodontidae — 2
Elaine Tan (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — AM
Redmarbled lizardfish (Synodus rubromarmoratus) — Synodontidae — 3
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Redmarbled lizardfish (Synodus rubromarmoratus) — Synodontidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Redmarbled lizardfish (Synodus rubromarmoratus) — Synodontidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — portioid (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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All data

Identification

English name
Redmarbled lizardfish sourced
Scientific name
Synodus rubromarmoratus
Family
Synodontidae
Other names
Redmarbled lizardfish; Red-marbled lizardfish; Lizardfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
5.0 verified
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, Guam, Hong Kong and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

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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