Animal Species:Banded Lizardfish, Synodus dermatogenys Fowler, 1912

Alternative Name/s

Clearfin Lizardfish, Two-spot Lizardfish, Variegated Lizardfish

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.

Size range

The species grows to 23 cm in length.

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.

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Banded Lizardfish specimens in the Australian Museums.

What does this mean?

Habitat

Individuals are often seen fully exposed or sometimes partially buried in sand.

Classification

Species:

dermatogenys

Genus:

Synodus

Family:

Synodontidae

Order:

Aulopiformes

Class:

Actinopterygii

Subphylum:

Vertebrata

Phylum:

Chordata

Kingdom:

Animalia

What does this mean?

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.

 

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 14 August 2012

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Banded Lizardfish, Synodus dermatogenys, Synodontidae, tropical water, marine, stripes or bands, Clearfin Lizardfish, Two-spot Lizardfish, Variegated Lizardfish, 10 cm - 30 cm,