Lizardfish are a type of bony fish found in tropical waters. Most are ambush predators that lie in wait to attack prey. They get their name from their lizard-like heads and bodies. Some grow over a foot long while others are a few inches.
Lizardfish have elongated, rounded bodies and scaly heads. They grow to about 20 inches and have camouflage patterns to blend into surroundings. Most live in shallow water, often lying partly buried. They frequent sandy or muddy areas.
Lizardfish are predatory with sharp teeth. They contribute to marine ecosystems as predators of smaller fish and invertebrates. They are also part of Japanese cuisine.
The lizardfish family has over 40 similar species. They have very large, sharp-toothed mouths. Their fins are positioned above and below their bodies.
Where are lizardfish found?
Lizardfish live in tropical and subtropical marine waters worldwide, in sandy, shallow areas near coasts. The deepest species live only 1,300 feet deep. Most live in sandy habitats, often partially buried. Little is known about their reproduction, but larvae have dark spots on their undersides. Lizardfish face threats from climate change but are not a major food source.
They reach 60 cm long and resemble lizards, with slender cylindrical bodies and flatted heads. Their dorsal fin sits mid-back with a small one behind it. They have sharp teeth, even on their tongue. As benthic fish, they live in coastal waters no deeper than 400 meters. Some brackish lizardfish live in estuaries.
There are 57 to 67 species in the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico. They live sandy, shallow, coastal waters worldwide. Most ambush smaller fish but some eat invertebrates. They grow from a few inches to over a foot long. Their camouflaged patterns and ability to bury themselves allows them to launch surprise attacks.
A fossil found in Australia is the first recorded lizardfish fossil there. The early Cretaceous fish likely swam in large schools and used its sharp teeth to catch prey. The find was donated to a local museum by a couple who previously found large sapphires.
Are lizard fish good bait?
Lizard fish good bait are?
How big are California lizard fish?
The California lizardfish grows up to 25 inches. It lives in sandy areas on the ocean floor, blending in to ambush small fish and squid. The California lizardfish is brown with yellow fins. It is found from Mexico to Alaska, but is most common along the California coast. The California lizardfish population seems healthy with no overfishing. Recreational fishing catches this fish with hook and line. The California lizardfish waits buried in sand for passing prey to dart up and swallow whole. It spawns in summer when adults congregate.
The lizard triplefin is a small fish under 7 centimeters long, found in the Gulf of California. It is the only species in its genus.