Tailspot Lizardfish, Synodus jaculum Russell & Cressey, 1979
Black-tailed Lizardfish, Javelinfish, Lighthouse Lizardfish, Tail-blotch Lizardfish
Introduction
The Tailspot Lizardfish can be recognised by its colouration. It is found in tropical marine waters of the Indo-Pacific.
Identification
The Tailspot Lizardfish can be recognised by its colouration. The body has a complex pattern of stripes and bars. There is a large black blotch on the caudal peduncle.
Distribution
It occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-Pacific. In Australia it is known from off the north-western coast of Western Australia and from the northern Great Barrier Reef south to the central coast of 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
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.