What Divers Should Know About Lizardfish

Among the common inhabitants of tropical and subtropical sandy seafloors are the Lizardfishes, members of the Synodontidae family. These benthic specialists possess slender, somewhat cylindrical bodies and heads that bear a striking resemblance to their reptilian namesakes. While generally small, the largest species can attain lengths of up to 60 cm (24 in). A closer inspection reveals mouths full of sharp, needle-like teeth, even lining their tongue.

Divers will most often spot these excellent camouflagers lying perfectly still on sandy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. Their body colors are typically patterned to blend seamlessly with the surrounding sand, making them surprisingly difficult to detect despite their prevalence. They are truly bottom-dwelling animals, preferring these sandy environments down to about 400 meters (1,300 ft) for even the deepest-dwelling species, where they patiently await passing prey.