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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Subtropical

Diamond lizardfish

Synodus synodus Linnaeus, 1758
Max Length
43 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
4.2
Depth
0–144 m
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
31.00/100
Typical Length
20 cm
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Primarily found in shallow inshore waters . Rests on hard surfaces rather than on sand . Also occurs in reef areas, but ventures into open shelf water as deep as 90 m . Caught with several types of artisanal gear. Reportedly good to eat, but not utilized widely .

Scientific Name
Synodus synodus
Authority
Linnaeus, 1758
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
43 cm
Depth Range
0–144 m
Latitude
35°S – 35°N
Trophic Level
4.2
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
31.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Anal soft rays: 8 - 10. 4 prominent reddish bands across back .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Diamond lizardfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Diamond lizardfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Diamond lizardfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 144 m , usually 2 - 35 m . Subtropical; 35°N - 35°S Northwest Atlantic: Canada (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
4.2±0.73

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00513 × L3.18 (TL)
Max TL
43cm
Anal Rays
9

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2013

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
31.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
4.2
Apex / Top predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Latitude Range
35°N – 35°S
Described By
Linnaeus, 1758

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Diamond lizardfish is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central

Nutrient Amount
Protein 16.6 g
Omega-3 (total) 98 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Diamond lizardfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Language Common Names
🇬🇧English Atlantic Lizardfish · Diamond Lizardfish · Diamond lizardfish, Redbarred lizardfish · Lizard Fish · Lizardfish · red lizardfish · Redbarred lizardfish
🌍CES ještěrohlavec atlantský
🇩🇰Danish Rød øglefisk
🇫🇮Finnish timanttiliskokala
🇫🇷French Anoli Commun · Anoli commun, Poisson-lézard de l'Atlantique · Poisson-lézard Atlantique · Poisson-lézard de l'Atlantique
🇮🇹Italian Pesce lucertola atlantico
🇳🇱Dutch Diamanthagedisvis
🇵🇱Polish Jaszczurnik · Jaszczurnik miedziany
🇵🇹Portuguese Lagarto-de-rolo · Lagarto-do-alto
🇷🇺Russian Красная рыба-ящерица
🇪🇸Spanish chile rojo · Guaripete · Lagarto · Lagarto Capitán · Lagarto Daimante · lagarto rojizo · Legarto diamante · Pez Lagarto · Pez lagarto capitán

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Esox synodus Linnaeus 1758 Synonym
Saurus atlanticus Johnson 1863 Synonym
Saurus meleagrides Valenciennes 1834 Synonym
Saurus meleagris Valenciennes 1850 Heterotypic
Saurus synodus Linnaeus 1758 Synonym
Synodus atlanticus Johnson 1863 Synonym
Synodus fasciatus Lacepède 1803 Synonym
Synodus gracilis Metzelaar 1919 Synonym
Synodus gronovii Walbaum 1792 Synonym
Synodus meleagrides Valenciennes 1834 Synonym
Synodus nicholsi Breder 1927 Synonym
Synodus synodus atlanticus Johnson 1863 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 764 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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