Variegated lizardfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits deep lagoon and seaward reefs to depths over 40 m ; sometimes found on sandy bottoms concealing itself in the sand. Prefers to rest on hard surfaces and frequently occurs in pairs . Benthic . Feeds on small fishes by seizing these from passing schools, also shrimps . Caught with various types of artisanal gear; sold fresh or dried salted in markets. Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 14; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 8 - 10. Adults variable from grey to red . On some individuals, the hourglass- or saddle-shaped markings along its side may be obliterated by an almost solid dark red band . Large individuals are often thick-bodied, giving a hump-backed appearance . : elongated; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Variegated lizardfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Variegated lizardfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 121 m , usually 5 - 60 m . Tropical; 30°N - 45°S East Africa to the Hawaiian, Line, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Lord Howe, Kermadec and Rapa islands (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
small fishes by seizing these from passing schools, also shrimps (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Variegated 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 | 15.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 64 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Variegated lizardfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Engleman's Lizardfish · Fowler's Lizard Fish · Hoult's Lizardfish · Pointhead Lizardfish · Redband Lizardfish · Reef Lizardfish · Scaly-cheek Lizardfish · Short-nosed Lizardfish · Two-spot Lizardfish · Variegated Lizardfish, Engleman's lizardfish · common lizardfish · red lizardfish · variegated lizardfish |
| 🌍CES | ještěrohlavec proměnlivý |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Spraglet øglefisk |
| 🇩🇪German | Riff-Eidechsenfisch |
| 🇫🇷French | Anoli bigarré, Anoli d'Engleman, Poisson-lézard tacheté · Anoli d'Engleman · Dard de Rocher · Dard de rocher, Lézard varié · Lézard Varié · Poisson-lézard · Poisson-lézard Tacheté · Poisson-lézard bigarré · anoli bigarré |
| 🌍HEB | לטנון השונית |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Pesce lucertola variegato |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Hitosujieso · ヒトスジエソ |
| 🇰🇷Korean | 꽃동멸 |
| 🇳🇱Dutch | Rifhagedisvis |
| 🇵🇱Polish | Jaszczurnik rafowy |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-lagarto-pantropical |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Красный ящероголов |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Chile de arrecife · Lagarto Escamoso · lagarto jaspeado |
| 🌍TAH | arae, mo'o, mo'o'anae |
| 🌍TGL | Tuko |
| 🌍THA | ปลาปากคมลาย |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 杂斑狗母鱼 · 狗母 · 狗母梭 · 花斑狗母魚 · 花狗母 · 雜斑狗母魚 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 55 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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