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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

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.

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.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Verwante hagedisvis sourced
English name
Slender lizardfish sourced
Scientific name
Synodus similis
Family
Synodontidae
Other names
Lavender lizardfish; Simile lizardfish; Southern lizardfish; Streaky 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
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. 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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