Synodus rubromarmoratus Russell & Cressey, 1979
Redmarbled lizardfish
Synodus rubromarmoratus
photo by Malaer, P.

Family:  Synodontidae (Lizardfishes), subfamily: Synodontinae
Max. size:  20 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 50 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Maldives (Ref. 30829) and the western Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal soft rays: 8-10. Cheek behind mouth fully scaled; anterior palatine teeth not longer than more posterior teeth, and not in discrete group; nasal flap long and blunt-tipped. Large scales (3.5 rows above lateral line) and bright red bars are distinctive (Ref. 37816). Description: Characterized by grey to whitish color; back with five irregular brown-edged red saddles, extending onto side and joined with large brown spot, and diffuse brown blotches between each saddle and large spot; 5 scale rows on cheek; pectoral fins not reaching line connecting origins of dorsal and pelvic fins (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found coastal reefs to outer reefs, usually on deep slopes in depths over 20 m on sand and rubble bottoms (Ref. 30829, 48635). This sedentary fish was seen in 206 to 341 m outside the caves (Ref. 58472). Benthic at 1-26 m (Ref. 58302).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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