Fin's Fish Guide
The Sand diver (Synodus intermedius) is a saltwater fish of the family Synodontidae that grows up to 46 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, over sand and rubble bottoms near reefs of coastal water.
Description
The sand diver is a cigar-shaped bottom fish of the family Synodontidae (lizardfishes) reaching about 46 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 rubble bottoms near reefs of coastal water from the USA to Brazil. 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 Sand diver?
The Sand diver has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Cigar-shaped bottom fish with a lizard-like head, a large mouth full of fine teeth and an adipose fin; buries itself in the sand.
Where does the Sand diver live?
The Sand diver lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, over sand and rubble bottoms near reefs of coastal water.
How big does the Sand diver get?
The Sand diver grows to a maximum of about 46 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Sand diver dangerous to humans?
No, the Sand diver is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sand diver edible?
The Sand diver is rarely eaten.
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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 Sand diver?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sand diver is one of 12,519 species in the app.