Latin name

Synodus macrops

Other name

Big-eyed lizardfish, enigmatic lizardfish.

Identification

Synodus: Greek, syn, symphysis = grown together + Greek, odous = teeth.

The body of the Triplecross lizardfish is elongated, rounded. The caudal part of the body is slightly flattened, without lateral carinae. There is a small adipose fin above the end of the anal fin. Sufficiently large eyes have vertical fat eyelids and are located on the upper anterior margin of the head, very close together. Slightly flattened, with a large, scale-covered mouth, the head of these fish is indeed very similar to that of a lizard. 

Features of fish fins

Fish of this species have a single dorsal fin with a short base and a small adipose fin near the tail. 

Fish colouring

The body coloration of the Triplecross Lizardfish is light brown with large spots and stripes on the sides. This coloration makes these fish almost invisible against the background of the shallow sea bottom.

Distribution

This species is found in tropical waters. It can be found in the Indo-West Pacific, Red Sea, India, Andaman Sea, as far east as southern Japan and Australia. 

Habitat

This species is a bottom dweller. It can be found at depths of about 35-200 m (110-660 ft). Triplecross lizardfish are distributed from coastal sandbanks to the deep sea, with a preference for deeper waters. 

Size

The maximum recorded length of the sexless male is about 20 cm. The total length of the sexless male of this species is about 10 cm. 

Behavior

If something attracts the attention of a fish lying on the bottom, it raises its head and the front part of its body, preparing to seize the prey; if it turns out to be in danger, it immediately buries itself in the sand, leaving only the eye on the surface.

Food and feeding habits

These fish are voracious predators. 

Reproduction

Triplecross lizardfish often live in pairs. Reproduction in this species is external.

Fishing

The species is of minor commercial interest. It is used as a food source. It is usually caught and sold in markets in fresh or dried form. The flesh of this fish is of little taste.

Relationship with a person

These fish do not pose a threat to humans and are considered harmless. This species should not be kept in an aquarium or sold commercially to aquarists.