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Sauro lizardfish

Synodus lacertinus

Sauro lizardfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Sauro lizardfish (Synodus lacertinus) is a slender, mottled brown fish that lies camouflaged on sandy or rubble bottoms, ambushing small prey. It is a common bycatch in tropical Indo‑Pacific waters but is rarely pursued by sport anglers due to its small size and modest table value.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Synodontidae

Max Size

27.2 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

1-27m

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Warm months (May‑October) when water temperatures exceed 24 °C

Best Time

Dawn, dusk, and night – they are most active during low light

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Sauro lizardfish

  • Target shallow sandy or rubble habitats near coral edges where lizardfish lie motionless.
  • Use a light leader and small hook (size 8‑10) to avoid spooking the fish.
  • Drift or cast and let the bait rest on the bottom; a subtle twitch can trigger a strike.
  • Fish during low light periods; they are nocturnal ambush predators and more likely to bite.

Top Fishing Locations for Sauro lizardfish

Lizardfish Reef, Great Barrier Reef

Australia
intermediate78% Very Common

Sandy patches adjacent to coral bommies host abundant Sauro lizardfish, especially in the outer reef zones.

Best: June-September

Muli Atoll, Maldives

Maldives
beginner85% Very Common

Clear lagoon with sandy bottoms and patch reefs; night and early‑morning trolling yields high catches of Sauro lizardfish.

Best: April-October

Ras Mohamed Marine Park, Egypt

Egypt
intermediate70% Very Common

Protected Red Sea area with steep drop‑offs and sandy flats where Sauro lizardfish ambush prey.

Best: October-January

Coral Bay, Palau

Palau
expert65% Common

Remote reef lagoon with abundant sand‑gravel patches; targeted lizardfish trips are popular among dive‑fishing tours.

Best: May-August

Nananu-i-Ra, Fiji

Fiji
beginner55% Common

Outer reef flats around Nananu Island are known for schooling lizardfish that strike readily on soft‑plastic jigs.

Best: July-December

Christmas Island, Indian Ocean

Australia
intermediate75% Very Common

Isolated island with extensive sand‑bottom reefs; Sauro lizardfish are abundant during the austral winter peak.

Best: May-September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Sauro lizardfish

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line4‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall soft‑plastic shrimp imitations or tiny jigs (1‑2 in)
TechniqueBottom fishing with a light weight, slow retrieve or stationary jig

Best bait: Live shrimp or small anchovies