Gracile Lizardfish

Saurida gracilis is a species of lizardfish which lives mainly in the Indo-pacific region.

Description

The maximum length of the Gracile lizardfish as an unsexed male has reached about 32 centimeters or about 12.59 inches. Body is mottled greyish with three dark bars across the rear half of the body, the largest just behind the dorsal fin. The outer teeth are visible when the mouth is closed. Dorsal, caudal and pelvic fins are with dark traverse bands. Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. The dark bars on rear half of body are usually broader than those of the Clouded Saury, Saurida nebulosa.

Distribution

It is common for this species to occupy the areas of Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, East Africa, Hawaiian, Marquesan and Ducie islands, north to the Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef, Lord Howe, and Rapa.

Habitat

The Gracile lizardfish is known to be found in a marine environment within a reef-associated area. They live in a benthic depth range of about 1 – 12 meters. This species is native to a tropical climate. The Gracile lizardfish inhabit sand, silty reefs, shallow lagoons, reef flats, and sheltered seaward reefs. The diet of the Gracile lizardfish includes other fish. The species is recorded to be active at night. It is also common to find this species of fish solitary and not in groups. This species does not cause any harm or threat to humans.