Rapanui lizardfish

📖 Overview

Rapanui lizardfish (Synodus isolatus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Synodontidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 20.2 cm. It occurs at depths between 10 and 18 metres. With a trophic level of 4.2, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 15; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. This species is distinct in having the following characters: D 14-15; A 9-10; pectoral rays 12-14; lateral-line scales 57-59; 4½ or 5 scales between lateral line and base of dorsal fin; median predorsal scales 15-16; vertebrae 59-60, predorsal 15-15.5; peritoneal spots 1-8; anterior palatine teeth of inner row longer than posterior teeth; preopercle fully scaled; posterior flap of anterior nostril leaf-like and short, just reaching or extending slightly beyond rear edge of posterior nostril when laid back; depth of body 6.6-7.45 in SL; pectoral fins reaching well posterior to a line connecting dorsal- and pelvic-fin origins, fin length 2.1-2.4 in HL; alcohol preserved color pale brown, body with 8 dark-edged brown bars, each with 3 constrictions, 2 above and 1 below lateral line; even-numbered bars darker; 2 irregular dark brown bars across lips, larger one below eye, the other just before corner of mouth; a pair of very small black spots dorsally at tip of snout, each followed by a dark brown line, the 2 lines merging posteriorly on snout; 2 dark brown spots on adipose fin; remaining fins pale, anterior dorsal fin rays with faint dark spots; when fresh, the color is orangish brown dorsally, white ventrally, white spaces between dark bars on body just above lateral line with horizontal row of 2-4 small dark brown blotches, 1 per scale ; white spaces below lateral line with 2 small interconnected vertically aligned reddish orange blotches; rows of red spots on rays of dorsal, anal and caudal fins; 2 broad black bands across lips; irregular red cross bands on caudal fin lobes .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Rapanui lizardfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Rapanui lizardfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Rapanui lizardfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 10 - 18 m . Tropical Southeast Pacific: Easter Island.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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