Variegated lizardfish (Synodus variegatus) fish species and information / pictures of Variegated lizardfish - Synodus variegatus

Variegated lizardfish (Synodus variegatus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Synodus variegatus

Common Name
Variegated lizardfish

Biology
Inhabits deep lagoon and seaward reefs to depths over 40 m (Ref. 9710); sometimes found on sandy bottoms concealing itself in the sand. Prefers to rest on hard surfaces and frequently occurs in pairs (Ref. 37816). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Feeds on small fishes by seizing these from passing schools. Caught with various types of artisanal gear; sold fresh or dried salted in markets. Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 30874.

Classification

Classified By

Lacep?de, 1803

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Grinners (Aulopiformes)

Family

Lizardfishes (Synodontidae)

Distribution

Region

Indo-Pacific

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian, Line, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Lord Howe, Kermadec and Rapa islands (Ref. 1602). Reported from New Zealand (Ref. 5755).

Range

30°N - 45°S

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

3 m

Depth To - meters

121 m

Zone

reef-associated

Environment

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 121 m (Ref. 58302), usually 5 - 60 m (Ref. 37816)

Trophic Level

4.2 s.e. 0.73 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

True

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

40.0 cm

Common Length

30.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: commercial

Vulnerability

Low to moderate vulnerability (30 of 100)

Resilience

High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (K=0.4)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated