Tailspot Lizardfish, Synodus jaculum Russell & Cressey, 1979

Scientific name: Synodus jaculum
Alternative name/s:
Black-tailed Lizardfish, Javelinfish, Lighthouse Lizardfish, Tail-blotch Lizardfish
Tailspot Lizardfish, <i>Synods jaculum</i> Click to enlarge image
A Tailspot Lizardfish, Synodus jaculum, at a depth of 4m, Fly Point, Port Stephens, New South Wales, 5 May 2013. Image: Sascha Schulz
© Sascha Schulz

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Synodus
    Species
    jaculum
    Family
    Synodontidae
    Order
    Aulopiformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 20 cm in length.

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

  1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  2. 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.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.