Banded Lizardfish, Synodus dermatogenys Fowler, 1912
Clearfin Lizardfish, Two-spot Lizardfish, Variegated Lizardfish
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© Matt Dowse
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Synodus
- Species
- dermatogenys
- Family
- Synodontidae
- Order
- Aulopiformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to 23 cm in length.
Introduction
The Banded Lizardfish is a slender, tropical marine fish that has an intricate pattern of stripes and bars on the body.
Identification
The Banded Lizardfish has an intricate pattern of stripes and bars on the body. There is a bluish-grey stripe along the side of the body at eye-level. The pelvic fin membrane has yellow streaks that are more obvious in males.
Habitat
Individuals are often seen fully exposed or sometimes partially buried in sand.
Distribution
The species occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-Pacific. In Australia it is known from the central coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north and south to northern New South Wales.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
References
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 330.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
