synodus

Synodus is a genus of ray-finned fishes in the family Synodontidae, commonly known as lizardfishes. The genus includes numerous species distributed in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Members are characterized by elongated bodies, a broad head, a pointed snout, and a mouth armed with sharp teeth. Their coloration is typically mottled brown, gray, or olive, providing camouflage against sandy or reef substrates.

Most Synodus species are demersal, spending much time on or near the bottom. They are often found in shallow coastal habitats such as sandy bays, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, but some inhabit deeper shelf waters. A common behavior is to bury themselves in sediment with only the eyes and snout exposed, enabling ambush predation.

Diet consists mainly of smaller fishes and invertebrates, which they seize with a rapid jaw snap. They are solitary hunters and rely on stealth rather than speed.

Reproduction varies by species, but many Synodus species are oviparous, releasing eggs into the water that hatch into free-swimming larvae. The life history details—such as spawning sites, seasonality, and larval development—are studied for individual species.

In human contexts, lizardfishes are generally not a primary target of commercial fisheries, though they can be taken as bycatch in coastal, demersal, or reef-associated fisheries. They are occasionally kept in public aquaria or studied for their biology and ecology. Overall, the genus is ecologically important as a predator in shallow marine ecosystems and as part of reef-associated food webs.