Clouded lizardfish
📖 Overview
Benthic in sand, mud, rock and eel-grass habitats . Solitary on sand and silt bottoms (Ref 90102). Feeds on small fishes . Found primarily inshore, e.g. in mangroves and seagrass beds, also near streams and river mouths. Piscivorous. Caught with artisanal gear. Sold fresh in markets.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. Saurida differs from all other lizardfishes by possessing several rows of villiform teeth extending outward onto the lips beyond the normal row of large canine, and 9 instead of 8 pelvic rays. The species is recognized by the large dark blotches below the dorsal fins . : elongated; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Clouded lizardfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Clouded lizardfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Clouded lizardfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 100 m , usually 2 - 60 m . Tropical; 28°N - 28°S north to the Hawaiian Islands, south to Sydney Harbor, New South Wales, Australia (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
small fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Clouded 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 | 15.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 79 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Clouded lizardfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Blotched Grinner · Blotched Saury · Clouded Saury · Nebulous Lizardfish · Nebulous Lizardfish, Clouded lizardfish · clouded lizardfish |
| 🌍CES | ještěrohlavec temnoskvrnný |
| 🇫🇷French | Anoli nuageux · Poisson-lézard · Poisson-lézard nébuleux |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Pesce lucertola nebuloso |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Uchiumimadaraeso · ウチウミマダラエソ |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-lagarto-nebuloso |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Chile nebuloso · lagarto nubífero |
| 🌍TAH | mo'o'anae, mo'o miti |
| 🌍TGL | Tuko |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 云纹蛇鲻 · 合齒魚科 · 狗母 · 狗母梭 · 雲紋蛇鯔 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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