Variegated lizardfish (Synodus variegatus) is a saltwater species recorded in Hong Kong. It is mainly found over reef, sand, at depths of 0–121 m. The main season in Hong Kong runs summer.
Scientific name: Synodus variegatus · Water: Saltwater · Season: Summer
Size: up to 40 cm
The variegated lizardfish is a synodontid that lives on lagoon and seaward reefs from 0 to 121 m, resting on hard surfaces and often in pairs, and sometimes burying itself in sand. It seizes small fishes from passing schools and also takes shrimps. Its range is the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian, Line, Marquesan and Ducie islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to Lord Howe, Kermadec and Rapa; it has also been reported from New Zealand and the Persian Gulf. Maximum length is about 40 cm total length, commonly about 30 cm. It is taken with artisanal gear and sold fresh or dried salted. Trophic level is 4.2, fishing vulnerability low to moderate at 30 of 100, and resilience high. IUCN lists it as least concern. It is in season in summer.
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