California Lizardfish

Synodus lucioceps

The California Lizardfish is recognizable by its elongated, cylindrical body and lizard-like head. It features a brown back that fades to tan on the sides and a white belly, providing effective camouflage against the sandy ocean floor where it resides. Unlike the silvery barracuda, which it is sometimes mistaken for, the California Lizardfish has a single dorsal fin and a small adipose fin. It can grow up to 64 cm in length and weigh as much as 1.8 kg. This species is found along the Eastern Pacific, ranging from San Francisco, USA, to Cabo San Lucas and Guaymas, Mexico. It has also been reported as far north as British Columbia and as far south as the Galapagos Islands. The California Lizardfish typically inhabits sandy bottoms at depths ranging from 1 to 229 meters, although it is most commonly found at depths of 2 to 50 meters. An ambush predator, the California Lizardfish feeds on small fish and squid. It is oviparous, with spawning believed to occur in the summer months. Divers may encounter this species during the day, often motionless, partially buried in sand with only its eyes and mouth visible. Its conservation status is listed as Least Concern.