SYNODONTIDAE Synodus dermatogenys (photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin) Synodus dermatogenys (from Mie Pref., Japan; photo by Seishi Kimura) Synodus dermatogenys Fowler, 1912 Banded Lizardfish D 11-13; A 8-10; P1 11-13; P2 8; LL 56-64. Body subcylindrical, moderately elongate. Teeth on jaws not exposed when moth closed; palatine teeth arranged in a single band on each side of roof of mouth. Nasal flap on anterior nostril long and slender; cheek naked posteriorly. Outermost ray of pelvic fin distinctly shorter than innermost ray. Color: body light brown or grayish brown dorsally with bluish gray stripe, silvery white ventrally; 7-10 dark brown ring markings along lateral midline. Size: maximum length about 25 cm SL. Distribution: widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific from east coast of Africa, Red Sea to Hawaii. Remarks: inhabits sandy or sandrubble bottoms near coral reefs. Feeds mainly on fishes.