Banded Lizardfish, Synodus dermatogenys Fowler, 1912

Scientific name: Synodus dermatogenys
Alternative name/s:
Clearfin Lizardfish, Two-spot Lizardfish, Variegated Lizardfish
Banded Lizardfish, Synodus dermatogenys Click to enlarge image
A Banded Lizardfish at a depth of 10 m, Fly Point, New South Wales, 7 August 2012. The blue band above the lateral line, barred fins and barred pattern on the sides of the body are characteristic of this species. Image: Matt Dowse
© 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

  1. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  2. Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 330.
  3. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.