Synodus nigrotaeniatus Allen, Erdmann & Peristiwady, 2017
Blackstripe lizardfish
Synodus nigrotaeniatus
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Synodontidae (Lizardfishes), subfamily: Synodontinae
Max. size:  23.35 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 10 - 30 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Indonesia..
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 12-14; Vertebrae: 48-49. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D 11-12 (usually 12); A 12-14; pectoral-fin rays 11; lateral-line scales 47-49; total vertebrae 48-49; its snout length is much greater than eye diameter, 6.0-7.1% SL or 21.6-22.6% HL; interorbital space 3.8-4.9, mean 4.4% SL; anal-fin base 18.0-19.4% SL; presence of a deep suborbital pore with prominent surrounding fimbriae extending upwards along the rear margin of the eye; rudimentary adipose fin scarcely visible without magnification; coloration of preserved and alive fish is mottled brown on back and whitish ventrally, separated by a prominent dark-brown to blackish mid-lateral stripe (Ref. 114926).

This species differs further from sageneus with the brown mottling on the back being denser in the latter and the pattern of brown bars across the lips is more prominent (Ref. 114926).

Biology:  This species is found on sandy bottoms and sometimes seen with only the snout and eyes protruding above the substrate. Like other synodontids, it is a 'lie-and-wait' predator, it relies on its camouflage, hiding under the sand to wait for approaching small fishes (Ref. 114926).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 16 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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