Twospot Lizardfish (species: Synodus binotatus) in Cook Islands (Gaia Guide)
Cook Islands > Animalia > Vertebrata > Actinopterygii > Aulopiformes > Synodus binotatus (gallery)
Synodus binotatus
Twospot Lizardfish


©David: Synodus binotatus, Ocean Freedom, Upolu Reef

©Anne: Synodus binotatus at Big Vicki's Reef, Lizard Island.

©Anne: Synodus binotatus at Big Vicki's Reef, Lizard Island. Same specimen as above showing two spots (or short streaks) on snout.

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Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Aulopiformes
Family Synodontidae
Genus Synodus
Species Synodus binotatus

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Colours

                   

Distinguishing features

A pair of small dark spots on tip of snout; often found on hard substrate (Allen and Erdmann, 2012).

Size

  • Up to 18 cm (Total Length)

Depth range

  • From 1 m to 30 m

Synonyms

Interesting facts

  • This fish appears to be motionless but tiny little tentacles (cilia) are paddling the water into one nostril and then out the other so that it can taste the water. This guy has moving nose hairs.

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

It occurs in coral reefs and is benthic. It is generally solitary and typically rests on hard surfaces, occasionally with a head down position on a steep slope. (Fishbase)

Web resources

References

References that assist with identification

  • Allen and M.V. Erdmann, G.R. (2012). Reef fishes of the East Indies. Volumes I-III in: Reef fishes of the East Indies. Tropical Reef Research, Perth, Australia. LIRS catalog number 90162.