The pink lizard fish is a unique and fascinating species of fish found in tropical and subtropical waters. Despite its unusual appearance, the pink lizardfish is actually a type of lizardfish belonging to the genus Synodus. Lizardfish get their name from their elongated, lizard-like bodies and large fang-like teeth. The pink lizardfish stands out thanks to its vibrant pink or reddish coloration. But what exactly is this strange fish called? Let’s take a closer look at this distinctive marine creature and find out its scientific name.
Overview of the Pink Lizardfish
The pink lizardfish (Synodus synodus) is a species of lizardfish found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. It belongs to the family Synodontidae, which includes around 11 genera and over 130 species of lizardfishes found worldwide.
Some key facts about the pink lizardfish:
- Scientific name: Synodus synodus
- Other common names: pink lizardfish, red lizardfish
- Average size: Up to 60 cm long
- Distinctive features: Elongated body, large mouth with fang-like teeth, pink or reddish coloration
- Habitat: Coastal reefs, sandy areas, seagrass beds; depth range up to 300 m
- Diet: Small fish, crustaceans, cephalopods
- IUCN status: Least Concern
The pink lizardfish gets its common name from its typically bright reddish-pink coloration. It has an elongated, cylindrical body with a large head and mouth lined with dangerously sharp teeth. Its dorsal and anal fins are set far back on the body near the pointed tail. The eyes are silvery with black pupils.
Naming and Classification
The pink lizardfish was first scientifically described in 1788 by Swedish naturalist Peter Forsskål. He named the species Gadus synodus, classifying it within the cod genus Gadus.
It was later reclassified into the genus Synodus, where it gained its current binomial name Synodus synodus. The genus name Synodus is derived from the Greek words syn meaning “together” and odous meaning “tooth”. This refers to the fused teeth found in the upper jaw of lizardfishes.
The species name synodus is likely in reference to the similarity in appearance and traits between this and other species in the Synodus genus. The common name “pink lizardfish” directly describes the coloration and physical resemblance to a lizard.
Here is a summary of the scientific classification and naming of the pink lizardfish:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Aulopiformes |
| Family | Synodontidae |
| Genus | Synodus |
| Species | S. synodus |
So in summary, the pink lizardfish’s unique reddish coloration and lizard-like form earned it the common name pink lizardfish, while its official binomial name recognizes its classification within the Synodus genus of lizardfishes.
Description and Biology
The pink lizardfish has an elongated, cylindrical body that tapers to a thin tail. It lacks scales and has loose, flabby skin covered in mucus. The head is large and broad with a wide, oblique mouth filled with villiform teeth (small, brush-like teeth). The teeth in the upper jaw are fused together.
The eyes are set high on the head and are silvery with black pupils. There is a pair of short nasal barbels in front of each nostril. The dorsal fin is set far back on the body above the anal fin. Both dorsal and anal fins have 13-14 soft rays each. The pectoral fins are short and rounded while the pelvic fins are elongated.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Coloration | Pinkish-red to bright red; paler below |
| Maximum Size | Up to 60 cm |
| Teeth | Villiform; fused teeth in upper jaw |
| Dorsal Fin | 13-14 soft rays |
| Anal Fin | 13-14 soft rays |
In terms of biology, the pink lizardfish is a solitary ambush predator that remains still on the seafloor waiting to strike at prey. Its diet consists mainly of small fish, crustaceans like shrimp, and cephalopods. Reproduction happens through spawning, with males using their nasal barbels to detect pheromones released by females. The larvae are planktonic before settling to the bottom.
Habitat and Distribution
The pink lizardfish is native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Its range extends from southern Portugal and the Canary Islands south to Cape Verde and Senegal. It also occurs throughout the Mediterranean.
This species inhabits coastal waters over sandy or rocky bottoms near coral and rocky reefs. It prefers sheltered areas such as seagrass beds, harbors, and estuaries. The pink lizardfish is mostly found at depths between 10-100 m but has been recorded as deep as 300 m.
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Eastern Atlantic Ocean | From southern Portugal to Senegal |
| Mediterranean Sea | Throughout region |
| Habitat | Coastal reefs, sand/rocky bottoms, seagrass beds |
| Depth range | 10-300 m |
Within its range, the pink lizardfish can be locally common in sheltered sandy areas and seagrass beds. However, its populations face potential threats from overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change impacts. Currently the IUCN Red List categorizes this species as Least Concern.
Significance to Humans
The pink lizardfish has some minor importance to local commercial fisheries throughout its range. It is caught incidentally by trawlers and bottom trawl nets. The meat is edible but not highly regarded. It may also be used as bait by local fishermen.
This species is sometimes displayed in public aquariums due to its unusual vibrant coloration. It can adapt to captivity but requires a varied diet of small fish and invertebrates. Most often the pink lizardfish reaches aquariums through the tropical fish trade.
Although not targeted by many recreational anglers, the pink lizardfish will occasionally take bait and lures. Its sharp fang-like teeth can give a nasty bite. The International Game Fish Association has recorded a 6kg line class world record for the species caught off the Canary Islands.
Overall the pink lizardfish is not a major target for commercial or recreational take. But its unique appearance still attracts some interest from aquarists and anglers. Maintaining healthy populations of this and other reef species ultimately depends on protecting coastal marine habitats.
Conclusion
With its vibrant reddish-pink body and serpentine shape, the pink lizardfish is an unmistakable inhabitant of eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean reef ecosystems. Its official scientific name is Synodus synodus, placing it in the Synodus genus of the family Synodontidae. This unusual fish uses camouflage and stealth to ambush small prey along sandy bottoms and seagrass beds. While not highly targeted by fisheries, the pink lizardfish faces threats from habitat loss and overfishing in parts of its range. Protecting and restoring coastal reef habitats will help ensure the future of this eye-catching species. So next time you come across a bright pink lizardfish, you’ll know it by its common name as well as its binomial Synodus synodus.