Gracile lizardfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits sand and silty reefs . Benthic . Common in shallow lagoons, reef flats, and sheltered seaward reefs. Feeds on fishes and ocacionally on crustaceans . Active at night . Caught with artisanal gear. Solitary (Ref 90102).
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. Posterior part of body with blackish blotches; dorsal, caudal and pelvic fins with dark traverse bands . : elongated; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Gracile lizardfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 135 m , usually 1 - 12 m . Tropical; 38°N - 36°S, 19°E - 124°W East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan and Ducie islands, north to the Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef, Lord Howe, and Rapa.
🌿 Ecology
fishes and ocacionally on crustaceans (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Gracile lizardfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 15.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 67 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Gracile lizardfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saurida gracila | Quoy & Gaimard | 1824 | Synonym |
| Saurida gracilata | Quoy & Gaimard | 1824 | Synonym |
| Saurus gracilis | Quoy & Gaimard | 1824 | Synonym |
| Saurus minutus | Lesueur | 1825 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 68 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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