Synodus jaculum
Javelinfish
©Anne: Synodus jaculum off Coconut Beach, Lizard Island. Note large dark mark on tail base and W-shaped mark on snout.
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Actinopterygii
Order
Aulopiformes
Family
Synodontidae
Genus
Synodus
Species
Synodus jaculum
Colours
Distinguishing features
Distinguishing features still need to be specified.
Size
- Up to 20 cm (Total length)
Depth range
- From 2 m to 100 m
Synonyms
Similar taxa
-
Animalia:
Reef lizardfish (species: Synodus variegatus)
does not have a large black mark at the tail base or a black pattern on the snout.
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
It inhabits coral reefs and is commonly found on sand or rubble near coral heads. (Fishbase)
Behaviour
The name is a reference to the peculiar behavior of this species of launching itself off the bottom and swimming in midwater for prolonged periods. (Fishbase)
Web resources
References
References that assist with identification
- Allen, G., R. Steene, P. Humann and N. Deloach (2003). Reef fish identification: Tropical Pacific New World Publications Inc., Jacksonville, FL, USA.
- Russell, B.C. and R.F. Cressey (1979). Three new species of Indo-west Pacific lizardfish (Synodontidae), Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 92(1): 166-175. LIRS catalog number 55.