Depth
Synodus · Bony Fish

Atlantic Lizardfish

Synodus saurus

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Synodus
Species saurus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationElongated, cylindrical body with a large, flattened head and a wide mouth full of small sharp teeth. Mottled brown to sandy colouration with darker saddle marks. Single dorsal fin set midway along the back.
  • SizeUp to 40 cm total length, commonly 20 to 30 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary ambush predator. Sits motionless on the bottom, often partially buried in sand.
  • HabitatSandy and muddy bottoms from the shallows to the outer continental shelf. Often on open, flat sandy areas.
  • Depth5 to 400 m, most common between 10 and 100 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall fish ambushed from its resting position on the seabed. Strikes with explosive speed.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to Senegal, including the entire Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA sit-and-wait predator that looks like a miniature crocodile when viewed from above. It props itself on its pelvic fins and waits perfectly still for prey fish to pass within striking range. Divers frequently encounter lizardfish resting on sandy patches between reef structures.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Atlantic Lizardfish species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

A sit-and-wait predator that lunges at passing fish and crustaceans from a resting position on the seabed. Possesses numerous fine teeth to grip slippery prey.

Ambush predator

Reproduction

Spawns pelagic eggs during spring and summer. Larvae drift in the plankton before settling to a benthic lifestyle at a few centimetres in length.

Egg layer

Behaviour & Defence

Lies motionless on sand, relying on mottled brown colouration to avoid detection. Can bury partially into sediment to enhance concealment.

Camouflage

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Synodus saurus. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

View dive site ›
18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide