Trachinocephalus myops
FAMILY
Synodontidae
TAXONOMY
Trachinocephalus myops Forster, 1801, Saint Helena.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
German: Gemalter Eidechsenfisch; Japanese: Oki-eso.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Grows to nearly 14 in (38 cm). Has 11–14 dorsal rays; 13–18 anal rays, and 11–13 pectoral fin rays. There are 51–61 lateral line scales and 3.5 scales above the lateral line. Pectoral fin reaches line from origin of dorsal fin to the origin of the pelvic fin. Has a single series of slender needlelike teeth along entire jaws.
DISTRIBUTION
Tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
HABITAT
Usually on sand in estuaries and subtidal shores to a depth of more than 600 ft (200 m).
BEHAVIOR
Solitary, paired, or in loose aggregations (the latter possible mating groups). Buries itself in the sand with only the eyes emerging.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Ambushes smaller fishes near the bottom or in the water column.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
The reproductive behavior and ecology of this species are largely unknown. Pairs have been observed courting in the water column, a departure from the benthic courtship seen among members of the pelagic-spawning genus Synodus. Eggs and larvae are probably pelagic.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not listed by the IUCN.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
Taken incidentally in subsistence, artesanal, or commercial fisheries. Not generally valued as a food fish, except in Southeast Asia.
