Variegated lizardfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Variegated lizardfish |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: |
Aulopiformes
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| Family: |
Synodontidae
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| Genus: |
Synodus
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| Species: |
S. variegatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Synodus variegatus (Lacépède, 1803)
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| Synonyms | |
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Synodus englemani |
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The variegated lizardfish (Synodus variegatus) is a type of lizardfish. It belongs to the family called Synodontidae. You can find this fish in the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. It lives in waters from 4 to 90 meters deep. This fish can grow up to 40 centimeters long.
Contents
About the Variegated Lizardfish
The variegated lizardfish has a body that is round like a tube. Its head is wide and a bit flat. It has a large mouth that opens wide. Both its top and bottom jaws stick out equally.
Teeth and Fins
Inside its mouth, the variegated lizardfish has many cone-shaped teeth. These teeth have barbs, which are like tiny hooks. This helps the fish hold onto its prey.
Its strong, thick pelvic fins are very useful. They act like little stands. The fish uses them to prop itself up when it rests on the ocean floor. This way, it can wait quietly for other small fish or creatures to swim by.
Colors and Markings
The color of the variegated lizardfish can change. It might be grey or even red. It often has special hourglass-shaped marks on its body. These markings help it blend in with its surroundings.
How Scientists Name Fish
Scientists give every living thing a special name. This helps everyone know exactly which animal they are talking about. The variegated lizardfish's scientific name is Synodus variegatus.
Sometimes, scientists learn new things about animals. This can cause them to change an animal's name or how they classify it. For example, the variegated lizardfish was once called Synodus englemani by some scientists. But later, they found out that Synodus variegatus was the correct and older name for this fish. This is how science helps us understand the world better!
