Atlantic Lizardfish

Overview

The Atlantic lizardfish is a master of camouflage, frequently found resting motionless on sandy or rocky seafloors. This predatory species is easily identified by its elongated, cylindrical body and a flattened, triangular head equipped with a wide mouth and sharp, pointed teeth.

Distribution & habitat

This species is widely distributed across the Mediterranean Sea and the Eastern Atlantic, ranging from Morocco to Cape Verde and the Azores. In the Western Atlantic, it is found from Bermuda and the Bahamas to the Lesser Antilles. It typically inhabits shallow insular waters, often resting on sandy or sand-rock bottoms, though it can be found at depths reaching 400 meters.

Appearance

The Atlantic lizardfish features a sleek, scaled body with mottled coloration that helps it blend into its surroundings. Its eyes are positioned on the top of the head and are distinctively green with an orange outline. The body is marked with horizontal blue or white lines, and dark, variable spots along the back can form vertical bars. The mouth extends well behind the eyes, revealing numerous fine, sharp teeth.

Biology & behavior

As an ambush predator, the Atlantic lizardfish often buries itself in the sand with only its eyes and mouth exposed, waiting for prey to pass by. Despite this sedentary behavior, it is a highly mobile hunter capable of striking rapidly. It is known to be territorial and may engage in aggressive, agonistic interactions with other individuals. Spawning typically occurs during the spring and summer months, peaking in July.

Feeding

This voracious predator feeds primarily on small fish, but its diet also includes crustaceans and cephalopods. It is an opportunistic hunter that may target both bottom-dwelling organisms and pelagic fish swimming in the water column above.