Common name: Lizardfish

General information

The Sand Diver, also known as the Reef Lizardfish, is a species of fish belonging to the Synodontidae family. Its scientific name is Synodus intermedius. This fish is known for its elongated body and camouflage abilities, allowing it to blend seamlessly with sandy or reef environments. The Sand Diver can reach a length of up to 40 centimeters and has a coloration that varies from brown to gray, with darker spots and lines that aid in its disguise among the substrate.

Care

Sand Divers are predatory fish and require a specific set of conditions to thrive in captivity. They prefer a sandy bottom where they can bury themselves and ambush prey. A larger tank with ample space for swimming and hiding is necessary, as they can be quite territorial. Their diet should consist of meaty foods such as small fish, shrimp, and squid. It's important to mimic their natural hunting behavior by providing live or frozen foods that can be 'hunted' within the tank.

Reproduction

In the wild, Sand Divers are known to spawn during the warmer months. However, breeding them in captivity is quite challenging and not commonly done in home aquariums. They are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized by males.

Habitat

The Sand Diver is commonly found in the Western Atlantic, from North Carolina and Bermuda to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit coastal waters, often seen resting on sandy bottoms or coral reefs, and can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 60 meters.