Synodus intermedius

(Spix & Agassiz, 1829)

Sand Diver

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: North Carolina, Bermuda, Gulf of Mexico, and south to Brazil.

Size: 17 inches (42 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits sandy and coral rubble substrates on coastal reefs at depths between about 3 to 1000 feet (1 – 320 m), yet usually found at depths under 40 feet (12 m) and basically feeds on small fishes and crustaceans.

General Husbandry: Has a black patch behind the gill area, with gold stripes running along the tan body. Not collected for the trade.

Taxonomy:

Order: Aulopiformes

Suborder: Alepisauroidei

Family: Synodontidae

Subfamily: Synodontinae

Genus: Synodus

FYI: Those in this family are termed ‘Lizardfishes’ and are quick moving and voracious predators! Most reside either buried in the sand with only their head showing, or sitting on some form of the substrate waiting for a tasty meal to come close enough to be captured and eaten.

Highly territorial.

Tankmates must be large enough not to be eaten.

Basically unsuitable for the average home aquarium as they require live foods, e.g., live grass shrimp/small fishes.

Shown here for identification only.

Best displayed in ‘special species’ type aquariums/public aquarium displays.