California Lizardfish
Synodus lucioceps
Sand Lizardfish
Synodus dermatogenys
About
This slender predator lies buried in the sand with only its eyes and nostrils showing, waiting for a small fish or crustacean to swim past. It grows to about 24 cm.
Also known as: clearfin lizardfish, clearfin lizardfish, banded lizardfish, grey-streak lizardfish, two-spot lizardfish, variegated lizardfish, banded lizardfish, banded lizardfish, grey-streak lizardfish, clearfin lizardfish, variegated lizardfish, two-spot lizardfish, bluestripe lizardfish, banded lizardfish
- Length
- 24 cm
- Depth
- up to 91 m
How to tell it apart
Other sand-dwelling fish also lie half-buried and camouflaged. This one is confirmed by its pattern: five or six red-brown bars cross a red horizontal band that breaks up into a line of white dots along the flank.
Appearance
The body is slim and cylindrical, mottled reddish-brown, with a mouth full of sharp, needle-like teeth. Its colour can shift with its surroundings.
Did you know?
Under blue or ultraviolet light, this lizardfish glows green instead of its usual reddish-brown - a trait called biofluorescence that may help it signal to others of its kind or improve its camouflage.
Log it in Into the Blue
Describe what you saw and we name it, then keep every species you find in your Oceandex.
