Synodus doaki Russell & Cressey, 1979
Arrowtooth lizardfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Synodontidae (Lizardfishes), subfamily: Synodontinae
Max. size:  28 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 9 - 260 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa, Japan, Chesterfield Islands (Ref. 11897), eastern Australia, northern New Zealand (Ref. 9818) and Hawaiian Islands (Ref. 58302). Southeast Pacific: Nazca and Sala-y-Gomez (Ref. 50546).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Cheek scaled to margin of preopercle; flap on anterior nostrils very long and rounded; pectoral fins reaching a line connecting origins of dorsal and pelvic fins. The irregular bars and spots on the body red, the centers of larger markings sometimes yellow. All fins with transverse red bands.
Biology:  Benthic (Ref. 58302). Inhabits sandy bottoms close to rock or coral outcrops. In New Zealand, frequently seen in pairs (Ref. 9818).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 02 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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