Synodontidae (Lizardfishes)
Synodus intermedius
0 to 100+ ft
A dark patch on the shoulder or upper edge of the gill cover distinguishes the sand diver from other lizardfishes. Several dark bar markings occur on the upper part of the body. Thin lengthwise body stripes are yellow-gold. The sand diver can grow to a length of 18 inches (45 cm). Extending north to North Carolina and south to Brazil, the sand diver is the most common lizardfish in the Caribbean. It is a bottom-dweller that generally perches on sand flats, but will occasionally be seen perched on a coral head on top of the reef. The sand diver is an "ambush predator" that will lay motionless, blending in with its sandy background, and wait for prey to come close. When a small fish or invertebrate comes within range, the sand diver will quickly strike, using its sharp teeth to grasp its prey.
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