Latin name

Saurida undosquamis

Other name

Large-scale grinner or largescale saury.

Identification

Saurida: Derived from Greek, sauros = lizard.

Brush-toothed lizardfish have a cigar-shaped, rounded or slightly compressed body. Their head is pointed and depressed, and their snout is rounded. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 11 - 12.

The start of the dorsal fin is closer to the fatty tissue than to the tip of the snout. The beginning of the anal fin is closer to the base of the tail than to the caudal fin. 

Fish colouring

The colouration is brownish-grey on top and cream underneath, with 8-10 indistinct dark spots in the middle of the sides.

Distribution

Widespread in the eastern Indian Ocean, Malay Peninsula, southern Philippines, northern Java, Arafura Sea, Louisiade Archipelago and northern half and south-west Australia. Reports of introduction into the Mediterranean Sea are doubtful. 

Habitat

Subtropical marine amphidromous species associated with reefs. Habitat depth from 1 to 350 m.

Size

Maximum male length 50 cm, total length 30 cm. Maximum age: 7 years.

Behavior

Occurs in the sublittoral zone more than 100 m above the sandy or muddy bottom of coastal waters. 

Food and feeding habits

Feeds on fish (anchovies and Mullus surmuletus), crustaceans and other invertebrates. 

Reproduction

Spawns off the coast of Japan from April to May. 

Fishing

Of minor commercial importance in fisheries.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. Usually sold frozen, sometimes fresh and as fish patties ("kamaboko") in Japan.