California Lizardfish
Synodus lucioceps
Physical Description
- A long, skinny, cylindrical fish.
- Flat, lizard-like head, with a snout that is almost triangular and long, pointed teeth.
- Mostly brown and greenish-brown coloring with copper lustrous coloring on sides and lighter gray belly.
- Lower jaw and fins are yellow.
- Juvenile fish are nearly transparent, scaleless, and have dark blue diamonds running along the belly.
- Adults grow to be up to 25 inches in length.
Range
- Cape Beal, British Columbia to Guaymas, Mexico.
- Gulf of California, Mexico.
Habitat
- Live in shallow, sandy areas.
- Common from depths of 5-150 feet, but up to 750 feet.
Reproduction
- They begin to spawn during the summer months when adult fish start to assemble in sandy patches.
- Spawning peaks in the fall.
Diet
- Squid, topsmelt, anchovies, krill, and other small fishes.
- They are ambush predators who sit on the bottom until prey swims past.
Predators
- California sea lions.
Interesting Facts
- Because of its appearance, it is often called the candlefish.
- The USS Lizardfish was a Navy submarine during World War II that successfully engaged in several battles. The sleek sub was named for the long, slender fish.
Sources: pierfishing.com; California Department of Fish and Wildlife; Dana Point Fishing Company
Photo: Herb Gruenhagen