Common name: Variegated lizardfish
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
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderGrinnersAulopiformes
- FamilyLizardfishSynodontidae
- GenusLizardfishSynodus
- SpeciesVariegated lizardfishSynodus variegatus (Lacepède, 1803)
- SynonymsSalmo variegatus Lacepède, 1803Salmo varius Lacepède, 1803Saurida rubrotaeniata Liénard, 1891Saurus englemani (Schultz, 1953)Saurus variegatus (Lacepède, 1803)Synodus engelmani Schultz, 1953Synodus englamani Schultz, 1953Synodus englemani Schultz, 1953Synodus houlti McCulloch, 1921Synodus 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.