LizardfishesSynodontidae

Lizardfishes (Synodontidae) are benthic marine fish with slender, cylindrical bodies and broad, flattened heads, a shape that gives them their common name. Their large, terminal mouths are equipped with numerous sharp teeth, including those on the tongue. A single dorsal fin sits mid-body, followed by a small adipose fin near the forked caudal fin. Pectoral fins are low-set, and the large pelvic fins are anterior to the pectorals. Most species display cryptic colouration, often mottled or patterned with bars and spots, providing camouflage on the seafloor. Individuals in this region commonly measure 15 to 40 cm (6 to 16 in), with some species reaching up to 60 cm (24 in).

These fish inhabit sandy, rubble, or seagrass bottoms at depths from less than 1 m (3 ft) in shallow lagoons down to at least 70 m (230 ft) on outer reef slopes. They typically lie motionless and partially buried in the substrate, ambushing passing small fish and crustaceans. Lizardfish larvae are distinctive: transparent and scaleless, with visible black blotches in their guts.