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Sechura lizardfish (Synodus sechurae) — Synodontidae

Sechura lizardfish

Synodus sechurae
Family: Synodontidae

The Sechura lizardfish (Synodus sechurae) is a saltwater fish of the family Synodontidae that grows up to 48 cm.

Length
47.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
45.0–60.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Sechura lizardfish is a lizardfish (Synodontidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the eastern Pacific off Peru. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, cylindrical, sandy body with a lizard-like head and a large mouth full of fine, needle-sharp teeth. As a motionless ambush predator it lies half-buried or propped on its pelvic fins on the bottom and suddenly shoots up to seize passing small fish and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sechura lizardfish?

The Sechura lizardfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Sechura lizardfish live?

The Sechura lizardfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Sechura lizardfish get?

The Sechura lizardfish grows to a maximum of about 48 cm.

Is the Sechura lizardfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Sechura lizardfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sechura-hagedisvis sourced
English name
Sechura lizardfish sourced
Scientific name
Synodus sechurae
Family
Synodontidae
Other names
Lizardfish; Sechura lizardfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
47.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
45.0 verified
Max depth (m)
60.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Synodus

More from the family Synodontidae

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