Photo. (c) 2022 BSS/MCSS.
Scientific Name: Synodus jaculum
English Name: Lighthouse lizardfish
Creole Name:
French Name: Anoli phare
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
Description:
Dorsal spines: 0; Dorsal rays: 11-13; Anal spines: 0; Anal rays: 8-10.
Body tubular, head somewhat depressed, caudal region tapered. Anterior palatine teeth long and forming a discrete group. short tubular dermal flap on
anteriro nostril. Large cycloid scales on body extending onto cheeks and operculum. 5.5 scales above lateral line.
Colour. Body brownish above, with dark brown saddle blotches and complex pattern of stripes and bars. Prominent black blotch on caudal peduncle. Fins
transparent, with faint brown spots on dorsal and caudal rays.
Size:
Maturity: Unknown. Max length : 20.0 cm TL; common length : 10.0 cm TL.
Habitat and Ecology:
Associated with coral reefs (depth 2-100 m, usually 10-100 m). Frequently found on sand or rubble near coral heads. Solitary,in pairs or in small groups.
Feeds on shrimps and small fishes.
Fishery Status:
This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. Lizardfish are very rarely caught in the artisanal fishery.
Notes:
Photo courtesy Eleanor Brighton and Chris Mason-Parker (c) 2022 Blue Safari Seychelles/Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles. Photograph taken at Alphonse group 2022.
References:
ALA. Synodus jaculum Russell & Cressey, 1979. https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://biodiversity.org.au/afd/taxa/eaa44e77-1ba7-437d-a697-0c7edcbb957d (19/08/22).
Cressey, R.F. & R.S. Waples. (1984). Synodontidae. In W. Fischer and G. Bianchi (eds.) FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western
Indian Ocean (Fishing Area 51). Volume 4. FAO, Rome.
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Synodus-jaculum (19/08/22).
McGrouther. M. (2019). Tailspot Lizardfish, Synodus jaculum Russell & Cressey, 1979. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/tailspot-lizardfish-synodus-jaculum/ (19/08/22).
Russell, B. et al. (2016). Synodus jaculum. The IUCN Red List 2016: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T67853451A67871670.en. (19/08/22).
Citation:
Nevill, J.E.G., Brighton, E. & Mason-Parker, C. (2022). Synodus jaculum, Lighthouse lizardfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/synodus-jaculum-russell-cressey-1979/
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