Synodus isolatus Randall, 2009
Rapanui lizardfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Synodontidae (Lizardfishes), subfamily: Synodontinae
Max. size:  20.2 cm SL (male/unsexed); 24.1 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 10 - 18 m
Distribution:  Southeast Pacific: Easter Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal soft rays: 9-10. This species is distinct in having the following characters: D 14-15; A 9-10; pectoral rays 12-14; lateral-line scales 57-59; 4½ or 5 scales between lateral line and base of dorsal fin; median predorsal scales 15-16; vertebrae 59-60, predorsal 15-15.5; peritoneal spots 1-8; anterior palatine teeth of inner row longer than posterior teeth; preopercle fully scaled; posterior flap of anterior nostril leaf-like and short, just reaching or extending slightly beyond rear edge of posterior nostril when laid back; depth of body 6.6-7.45 in SL; pectoral fins reaching well posterior to a line connecting dorsal- and pelvic-fin origins, fin length 2.1-2.4 in HL; alcohol preserved color pale brown, body with 8 dark-edged brown bars, each with 3 constrictions, 2 above and 1 below lateral line; even-numbered bars darker; 2 irregular dark brown bars across lips, larger one below eye, the other just before corner of mouth; a pair of very small black spots dorsally at tip of snout, each followed by a dark brown line, the 2 lines merging posteriorly on snout; 2 dark brown spots on adipose fin; remaining fins pale, anterior dorsal fin rays with faint dark spots; when fresh, the color is orangish brown dorsally, white ventrally, white spaces between dark bars on body just above lateral line with horizontal row of 2-4 small dark brown blotches, 1 per scale ; white spaces below lateral line with 2 small interconnected vertically aligned reddish orange blotches; rows of red spots on rays of dorsal, anal and caudal fins; 2 broad black bands across lips; irregular red cross bands on caudal fin lobes (Ref. 80927).
Biology:  Collected on rock and sandy bottom with rotenone and with about 250 m hook and line (Ref. 80927).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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