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