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Slender lizardfish (Synodus similis) — Synodontidae

Slender lizardfish

Synodus similis
Family: Synodontidae

The Slender lizardfish (Synodus similis) is a saltwater fish of the family Synodontidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
25.0–76.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Kermadec Is., Norfolk I., Lord Howe I.

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Description

The Slender lizardfish is a lizardfish (Synodontidae) from shallow reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, cylindrical, sandy body with a lizard-like head and a broad mouth full of needle-fine teeth. As an ambush predator it lies half-buried on sand bottoms and shoots up to seize passing small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Slender lizardfish?

The Slender lizardfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Slender lizardfish live?

The Slender lizardfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Kermadec Is., Norfolk I., Lord Howe I.

How big does the Slender lizardfish get?

The Slender lizardfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.

Is the Slender lizardfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Slender 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

Slender lizardfish (Synodus similis) — Synodontidae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Slender lizardfish (Synodus similis) — Synodontidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Debra Baker, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Slender lizardfish (Synodus similis) — Synodontidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Malcolm Francis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Slender lizardfish (Synodus similis) — Synodontidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) lcolmer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Slender lizardfish sourced
Scientific name
Synodus similis
Family
Synodontidae
Other names
Lavender lizardfish; Simile lizardfish; Southern lizardfish; Streaky lizardfish; Ear-spot lizardfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Average length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
25.0 verified
Max depth (m)
76.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Kermadec Is., Norfolk I., Lord Howe I. 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

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Fin

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