California Lizardfish
Synodus lucioceps
Physical Description
- A long, skinny, cylindrical fish
- Flat, lizard-like head, with a snout that is almost triangular and long, pointed teeth
- Mostly brown and greenish-brown coloring with copper lustrous coloring on sides and lighter grey belly
- Lower jaw and fins are yellow
- Juvenile fish are nearly transparent, scaleless, and have dark blue diamonds running along the belly
- Adults grow to be up to 25 inches in length
Range
- Cape Beal, British Columbia to Guaymas, Mexico
- Gulf of California, Mexico
Habitat
- Live in shallow, sandy areas
- Common from depths of 5–150 feet, but up to 750 feet
Reproduction
- They begin to spawn during the summer months when adult fish start to assemble in sandy patches
- Spawning peaks in the fall
Diet
- Squid, topsmelt, anchovies, krill, and other small fishes
- They are ambush predators who sit on the bottom until prey swims past
Predators
- California sea lion
Interesting Facts
- Because of its appearance, it is often called the candlefish.
- The USS Lizardfish was a Navy submarine during World War II that successfully engaged in several battles. The sleek sub was named for the long, slender fish.
Sources: PierFishing.com; California Department of Fish and Wildlife; Dana Point Fishing Company
Photo: Herb Gruenhagen