Variegated lizardfish

Synod variegatus

Synod variegatus is a species of the genus Synod in the family of lizard fish ( Synodontidae ).

External appearance

The body is elongated and flattened on the belly. The body shape is reminiscent of a goby. The head of the animals is wide. The eyes are high up on the head and are located almost on the back. The caudal fin is small and emarginate. The up to 25 cm large fish is covered with brown and reddish spots in different color variations.

Dissemination

This small predator happens to Micronesia to the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

Habitat

This lizard fish lives on hard floors in lagoons and on the sandy plateau of coral reefs in water depths of between three and 50 m.

Nutrition

The animals are individually or in pairs on the floor and lurking for prey. On sand they dig occasionally also. They catch small fish, primarily from past floating swarms by suddenly jump up on their strong pectoral fins and grab the loot.

Behavior towards people

The animals largely ignore people. If they are pressed to pull it back. The fish is perfectly harmless.