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Triplecross lizardfish (Synodus macrops) — Synodontidae

Triplecross lizardfish

Synodus macrops
Family: Synodontidae

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

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
35.0–200.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Triplecross lizardfish is a lizardfish (Synodontidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, cylindrical, sandy body with a lizard-like head and a large mouth full of fine, needle-sharp teeth. As a motionless ambush predator it lies half-buried or propped on its pelvic fins on the bottom and suddenly shoots up to seize passing small fish and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Triplecross lizardfish?

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

Where does the Triplecross lizardfish live?

The Triplecross lizardfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Triplecross lizardfish get?

The Triplecross lizardfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.

Is the Triplecross lizardfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Triplecross lizardfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Triplecross lizardfish edible?

Yes, the Triplecross lizardfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grootoog-hagedisvis sourced
English name
Triplecross lizardfish sourced
Scientific name
Synodus macrops
Family
Synodontidae
Other names
Crossbarred lizardfish; Enigmatic lizardfish; Lagoon lizardfish; Lizardfish; Triplecross lizardfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Average length (cm)
10.0 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
35.0 verified
Max depth (m)
200.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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