Ray-finned Fishes of Zihuatanejo

CLASS ACTINOPTERYGII

-Grinners, Lizardfishes, and Allies (Order Aulopiformes)

-Lizardfishes (Family Synodontidae)

-Subfamily Synodontinae

-Genus Synodus

-Sauro Lizardfish (Synodus lacertinus)

Also known as the Calico Lizardfish. The Sauro Lizardfish is found in the Eastern Pacific region growing up to 20cm in length. Solitary. Perches motionless on pectoral fins in a wide range of habitats. Commonly occurs on sandy bottoms or sand patches around rocky reefs and boulder and gravel strewn slopes.

Diet

A carnivorous ambush predator that feeds mainly on small fishes and mobile benthic crustaceans such as shrimps and crabs. It may also take cephalopods. It typically waits motionless for prey before making a rapid strike.

Range

The Calico Lizardfish, also called the Sauro or Banded Lizardfish, occurs in the eastern Pacific from the Gulf of California and western Mexico southward to Chile. It occurs along the Pacific coast of Mexico, including the Zihuatanejo region.

Habitat

It is a solitary bottom-dwelling fish associated with sandy bottoms and sand patches around rocky reefs, boulder fields and gravel slopes. It generally occurs from about 1–27 m. It is more active at night and may bury itself in sand during the day with only its eyes and mouth exposed.

Description

Synodus lacertinus has a moderately elongated, cylindrical body and reaches about 27 cm. It has a short blunt snout, large eyes and a large slightly oblique mouth lined with numerous fine pointed teeth. The body is highly variable in colour, ranging from reddish or brownish mottling to pale individuals marked with four or five reddish-brown bars formed by diamond-shaped blotches.