Synodus isolatus

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Rapanui lizardfish

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Aulopiformes
Family: Synodontidae
Genus: Synodus
Species:
S. isolatus
Binomial name
Synodus isolatus
Randall, 2009

Synodus isolatus, the Rapa Nui lizardfish (

endemic to the shallow waters of the southern Pacific Ocean around Easter Island
.

Taxonomy and nomenclature

The Rapa Nui lizardfish was first observed by

ichthyologist John Ernest Randall classified the Rapa Nui lizardfish as a separate species, Synodus isolatus. The holotype for this species, BPM 39162, was collected at a depth of 10 m (33 ft) near Motu Tautara off the west coast of Rapa Nui and is housed at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii.[3]

Description

The Rapa Nui lizardfish's

peritoneal spots are often used to differentiate species, however S. isolatus has been reported to have anywhere between 1 and 8 spots. This variation has been used to suggest that peritoneal spots may not be as useful tools for differentiating lizardfish species as previously thought.[3]

Distribution and habitat

Despite being generally observed in the shallows, the Rapa Nui lizardfish's habitat spans a broad range of depths ranging between 10–250 m (33–820 ft).[3] When observed at a depth of 150 m (490 ft), the fish appeared to prefer rocky and sandy bottoms.[4] Individuals collected from deeper depths tend to show a distinct reddish color, but otherwise possess the same features as shallower-dwelling members of the species. Fishes from Easter Island usually tend to be depth-tolerant, which may be due to the low species diversity in this area and the limited amount of geographic space for shallow-adapted fishes to occupy.[3]

Relationship with humans

The Rapa Nui lizardfish was last assessed by the

by-catch from shrimp trawling.[1] Most suggestions to improve any conservation concerns for this species center the netting used in trawling, though Randall wrote that individuals were more likely to be caught with a hook and line in 2009 and 2011, and collected the holotype specimen with a spear.[3][2]

References

  1. ^
    doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T95972054A95972056.en
    .
  2. ^
    ISBN 978-0-824-83564-4
    .
  3. ^ a b c d e Randall, John Ernest (2009). "Five new Indo-Pacific lizardfishes of the genus Synodus (Aulopiformes: Synodontidae)" (PDF). Zoological Studies. 48: 407–417.
  4. doi:10.1016/j.dsr2.2016.12.006
    .
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