Synodontidae
Lizardfishes Temporal range: [1]
| |
---|---|
Synodus intermedius | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Aulopiformes |
Suborder: | Synodontoidei |
Family: | Synodontidae T. N. Gill, 1862 |
Genera | |
Synonyms | |
Harpadontidae |
The Synodontidae or lizardfishes
Lizardfishes are generally small, although the largest species measures about 60 cm (24 in) in length. They have slender, somewhat cylindrical bodies, and heads that superficially resemble those of
Lizardfishes are benthic animals that live in shallow coastal waters; even the deepest-dwelling species of lizardfish live in waters no more than 400 m (1,300 ft) deep. Some species in the subfamily Harpadontinae live in brackish estuaries. They prefer sandy environments, and typically have body colours that help to camouflage them in such environments.[2]
The larvae of lizardfishes are free-swimming. They are distinguished by the presence of black blotches in their guts, clearly visible through their transparent, scaleless skin.
While it may not be as well known as some other types of fish, it is still consumed in many cultures and can be used in a variety of culinary preparations.
Taxonomy
Three genera of the Synodontidae are known to inhabit the western Atlantic, including Synodus, represented by six species, Saurida, represented by four species, and Trachinocephalus, represented by a single species.
See also
- Bombay duck
- Deepsea lizardfish
- USS Lizardfish (a US submarine)
Notes
- Pseudotrichonotidae)
References
- ^ a b Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Synodontidae" in FishBase. December 2008 version.
- ^ ISBN 0-12-547665-5.
- ^ .