Common name: Variegated lizardfish

Scientific name: Synodus variegatus (Lacepède, 1803)
Reef lizardfish Synodus variegatusPair of variegated lizardfish on a reef
Lizardfish (Synodus variegatus) Milne Bay, Papua New GuineaLizardfish close up

General information

The Variegated Lizardfish, scientifically known as Synodus variegatus, is a predatory fish species found in tropical and subtropical waters. It is known for its elongated body, cryptic coloration, and ambush hunting strategy. The lizardfish's appearance is characterized by a mottled pattern that allows it to blend seamlessly with sandy or rubble substrates.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
40 cm (1′4″)
Care level
Moderate to easy
Diet
Carnivore
Social
Solo
Reefsafe
No May prey on small fish/inverts
Aggression
Semi aggresive Predatory towards smaller tankmates
Captive bred
No
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Grinners
    Aulopiformes
  5. Family
    Lizardfish
    Synodontidae
  6. Genus
    Lizardfish
    Synodus
  7. Species
    Variegated lizardfish
    Synodus variegatus (Lacepède, 1803)
  8. Synonyms
    Salmo variegatus Lacepède, 1803
    Salmo varius Lacepède, 1803
    Saurida rubrotaeniata Liénard, 1891
    Saurus englemani (Schultz, 1953)
    Saurus variegatus (Lacepède, 1803)
    Synodus engelmani Schultz, 1953
    Synodus englamani Schultz, 1953
    Synodus englemani Schultz, 1953
    Synodus houlti McCulloch, 1921
    Synodus variegates (Lacepède, 1803)
    Synodus varius (Lacepède, 1803)

Care

In the aquarium, Variegated Lizardfish require a tank with plenty of open substrate to mimic their natural habitat. They are carnivorous and should be fed a diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, fish flesh, and squid. It's important to note that they may prey on smaller tank mates, so they should only be housed with larger or equally sized fish.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproductive habits of Synodus variegatus in the wild or in captivity. They are not commonly bred in home aquariums, and most specimens are wild-caught.

Habitat

Synodus variegatus is typically found in coastal waters, often resting on the bottom where it waits to ambush prey. They are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific Ocean.