Page 118 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

FISHES

Reproduction Common name: Brushtooth lizardfish

identification Dark spots in
first fin

Scientific Name:
Saurida undosquamis
Picture

Key identifying features
Brief history Teeth visible when upper tail fin
This small bottom-dwelling fish has a slender Dark spots in
cylindrical body, a cigar-like head and a large mouth mouth is closed
with long jaws and dense rows of sharp slender
teeth, even on its tongue. It reaches a length of up to
50 cm, normally 15–35 cm.
It has a single, short-based dorsal fin with 11–12 soft
Mullus surmuletus, and also non-indigenous fish
rays, and a small, rayless (adipose) fin near the tail.
species from the Red Sea, such as Equulites
The anal fin has 11–12 soft rays, and the tail fin is
klunzigeri, young Saurida undosquamis, and
forked.
Siganus spp.).
Dorsal colour is brown-beige with a silvery white
belly. A distinguishing feature is a series of dark spots
on the first dorsal fin ray and the upper edge of the
tail fin. The body sometimes has 8–10 dark spots
along the lateral line.

Field identification signs and habitat
This lizardfish lives on sandy or muddy bottoms of
coastal waters down to depths of 100 m, usually
between 30–70 m. It feeds mainly on bottom-living
invertebrates and fishes (anchovy and striped mullet Saurida undosquamis. Photo: B. Galil

Saurida undosquamis. Photo: D. Harasti

Monitoring Marine Invasive Species in Mediterranean MPAs: A strategy and practical guide for managers 115