Kingdom Animalia Order Aulopiformes Genus Synodus Higher classification Synodus Found in Red Sea | Phylum Chordata Family Synodontidae Scientific name Synodus variegatus Rank Species | |
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Similar Synodus, Atlantic lizardfish, Synodontidae, Sand lizardfish, Aulopiformes | ||
Variegated lizardfish and a colour changing octopus
The variegated lizardfish (Synodus variegatus) is a lizardfish of the family Synodontidae found in the western Pacific and Indian Oceans, at depths from 4 to 90 m. It can reach a maximum length of 40 cm.
The variegated lizardfish is rounded in cross-section with a broad, moderately flattened head and a large, wide mouth. The jaws protrude equally. Both jaws and all the mouth bones are covered with conical, barbed teeth. The strong, thick pelvic fins serve as props when the fish is resting on the bottom waiting for prey.
The variegated lizardfish varies in color from grey to red, with hourglass-shaped markings.
References
Variegated lizardfish Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA