Synodus macrostigmus

Synodus macrostigmus
Largespot Lizardfish – Synodus macrostigmus
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
SynodontidaeSynodus macrostigmusFrable, Luther & Baldwin2013Largespot Lizardfish

Synodus macrostigmus

Unique Characters: Pelvic fin rays 8, the inner rays distinctly longer than outermost rays. Anal-fin rays 8-11. Length of anal-fin base shorter than dorsal-fin base. No scales on procurrent caudal-fin rays. Scales in lateral line 43-50 (rarely 51 or 52). Dorsal fin with anterior rays not extending beyond, but occasionally extending to, tips of the succeeding rays when laid back; lower jaw rounded anteriorly, without fleshy knob; black patch on shoulder girdle under gill cover.

Similar Species:

Offshore Lizardfish
Synodus poeyi

Inshore Lizardfish Synodus foetens

Red Lizardfish Synodus synodus

Synodus foetens
Inshore Lizardfish – Synodus foetens
Synodus synodus
Red Lizardfish – Synodus synodus

Offshore Lizardfish Synodus poeyi. Pelvic fin rays 8, the inner rays distinctly longer than outermost rays. Anal-fin rays 8-11. Length of anal-fin base shorter than dorsal-fin base. No scales on procurrent caudal-fin rays. Scales in lateral line 43-50 (rarely 51 or 52). Dorsal fin with anterior rays extending to or usually beyond tips of succeeding rays when laid back; lower jaw ending in fleshy knob; no black patch on shoulder girdle under gill cover.

Inshore Lizardfish Synodus foetens. Pelvic fin rays 8, the inner rays distinctly longer than outermost rays. Anal-fin rays 8-11. Length of anal-fin base shorter than dorsal-fin base. No scales on procurrent caudal-fin rays. Scales in lateral line 55-64 (rarely 54 or 65).  Snout triangular and sharply pointed, its length greater than diameter of eye. Length of anal-fin base about equal to or usually longer than dorsal-fin base (rarely shorter). Tip of pectoral fin falling short of or just reaching of pelvic-fin base. Predorsal scales 20-30.

Red Lizardfish Synodus synodus. Pelvic fin rays 8, the inner rays distinctly longer than outermost rays. Anal-fin rays 8-11. Length of anal-fin base shorter than dorsal-fin base. No scales on procurrent caudal-fin rays. Scales in lateral line 55-64 (rarely 54 or 65).  Snout rounded and blunt, its length less than diameter of eye. Length of anal-fin base much shorter than dorsal-fin base. Tip pectoral fin extending well beyond base of pelvic fin. Predorsal scales 15-18.

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