Descriptive
Information
- Field
marks: An elongated tubular fish,
the Inshore Lizardfish is a benthic organism colored light gray
with pale olive-brown blotches on dorsal
side. The ventral
surface is pale white. The mouth
is large, extending well past the eye. The strong jaws are lined
with numerous sharp teeth. The Inshore Lizardfish has one dorsal
fin with a tiny adipose fin and a small forked tail fin. Also, ventral
fins are large and pectoral fins are small. On ventral surface
the gill slits are closed.
- Size:
8-18 inches long 1-1.5 inches in diameter
- General
habitat: Shallow sand and
mud bottoms
- Field
Observations: The Lizardfish was
caught by a fishing net and placed in a tub of sea water on the
shore for observation of physical features. It was then released
back into the intertidal zone. When released it did not swim far
from shore, rather it swam no more then two feet before implanting
itself firmly in the sand by jabbing its ventral fins into the sand.
The lizardfish remained perfectly motionless and did not stir upon
being touched. It was hardly visible due to the excellent camouflage
in the coloring of the fish. The covered gill slits on the ventral
side allow the lizardfish to live in its benthic habitat, sometimes
even buried up to its eyes in sand.
- References:
- Alden, Peter; Cech, Rick; Nelson, Gil. National Audubon Society
Field Guide to Florida. Chanticleer Press, Inc. New York . Fifth
Edition, July 2003. P 258
- Cochran, Gary; Carter, Gilbert; Perrine, Doug. FloridaÕs
Fabulous Fishes World Publications. Tampa. First Edition 2003.
P 39
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