SYNODONTIDAE Synodus variegatus (photo by Surapong Banchongmanee) Synodus variegatus (from North Sulawesi, Indonesia; photo by Seishi Kimura) Synodus variegatus (Lacepède, 1803) Variegated Lizardfish D 12-14; A 8-10; P1 12-13; P2 8; LL 61-63. Body subcylindrical, moderately elongate. Teeth on jaws not exposed when mouth closed; palatine teeth arranged in a single band on each side of roof of mouth. Nasal flap on anterior nostril short and triangular; cheek fully scaled posteriorly. Outermost ray of pelvic fin distinctly shorter than innermost ray. Color: body brown to red markings dorsally on body, silvery white ventrally; a longitudinal series of reddish blotches 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: usually found on rocks and coral reefs. Feeds mainly on fishes.