Common names
Galliwasp, Lagarto, Sand pike
Inshore lizardfish
Synodus foetens
- Mixed
- Least concern
Max length21.25 in
Common length11.75 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight2 lb 0 oz
Depth range0 - 656 ft
Max age9 years
Water typeMixed
Water temperature77 - 95 °F
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
The body of the lizardfish is elongated, resembling a cigar, with females generally larger than males when mature. The mouth is large and pointed, and the snout is pointed, extending beyond the eye. Slender teeth are present in the roof of the mouth and jaws. The lateral line, well-marked, encompasses around 60 scales along the length. Colouration ranges from various shades of brown to olive on the dorsal side and from white to yellow on the belly side. Juveniles have dark spots, which are reduced or absent in adults. Diamond-shaped patches on the sides occur in juveniles and usually fade with growth, often appearing at the mid-lateral line of the fish. The dorsal fin is centrally located on the back, and an adipose fin is present, typically showing a darker spot. The adipose fin is small, with the base no longer than the diameter of the pupil. The anal fin is usually equal in length or longer than the dorsal fin.
Habitat
The habitats for these fish include the bottom in shallow inshore marine waters, usually over sand or mud bottoms, including creeks, rivers, among seagrasses, estuaries, bays, and lagoons. Adults have been found to be also in the open sea above continental shelves.
Distribution
Western Atlantic: Massachusetts, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil.
Behaviour
The inshore lizardfish is an ambush predator. Its diet consists of various fish and small invertebrates (shrimp, crabs, and cephalopods). They spawn throughout the year. They do not guard their spherical-shaped eggs because the eggs are scattered in the water; they fall into plants and rocks.
Edibility
In its food value, inshore lizardfish is not good since it is a very bony fish. They supposedly taste good but are rarely eaten by people and not targeted by anglers.
Lure suggestion
The best time to catch them is between March and June during spawning season. They will hit on almost any baits or lures available. The best way to catch them is by still fishing or drifting. Good bait: squid, sabikis, pile worms, and other strip bait.
Similar species
Other similar species
Offshore lizardfish, Sand diver