Common name: Lighthouse lizardfish

General information

The Arrowtooth Eel, scientifically known as Synodus jaculum, is a fascinating species of lizardfish belonging to the family Synodontidae. This species is not commonly found in the aquarium trade, primarily due to its predatory nature and specific care requirements. In the wild, they are known for their ambush predation technique, lying in wait for unsuspecting prey to pass by before striking with remarkable speed.

Care

Arrowtooth Eels require a specialized environment to thrive in captivity. They need a large tank with plenty of sand or fine substrate to mimic their natural habitat where they can bury themselves. The tank should also have ample hiding places and a secure lid, as these eels are known to be escape artists. They are carnivorous and should be fed a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and shrimp. Care should be taken to ensure that tank mates are not small enough to be considered prey.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproductive habits of Synodus jaculum in the wild or in captivity. They are presumed to have similar breeding behaviors to other lizardfish, which typically involve scattering eggs in the water column that are then left to develop without parental care.

Habitat

Synodus jaculum is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific Ocean. They inhabit sandy and rubble substrates in coastal waters and are often associated with coral reefs. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 90 meters.