The Atlantic Lizardfish, also widely known as the Lizardfish, is one of the most distinctive and strange fish in the Mediterranean, resembling a reptile more than a fish. Its scientific name translates to lizard and perfectly describes its appearance. The head is broad and flattened from above, with the eyes positioned high and close together so it can see while buried in the sand. The body is cylindrical and elongated, with a colour that perfectly mimics the sandy seabed, in beige with irregular spots, making it practically invisible.

The most formidable feature is its mouth. It is huge, stretching far behind the eyes, and armed with rows of sharp, needle-like teeth. The unique feature that makes it stand out is its tongue, which ensures that no prey can escape its bite. Additionally, it possesses a small adipose fin on the back near the tail.

This is a benthic species that lives exclusively on sandy and muddy bottoms, as well as in rocky areas with sand patches. The depth at which it is encountered ranges from very shallow waters of just 2 metres to 400 metres. It is a solitary fish that spends most of its time motionless on the seabed while resting on its pelvic fins like a tripod or remaining half buried in the sand to wait for its prey.

The animal is a classic and ruthless ambush hunter. It remains motionless and invisible until an unsuspecting prey passes over it. Then it launches itself upward like a flash to grab the victim, then returns to the bottom. It feeds mainly on small fish that live in schools, such as silversides, bogue, picarel, and gobies. It is so voracious that it often attacks fish almost as large as itself.

Fisheries & Economic Value

It is caught in various ways, such as nets, bottom trawls, handlines, and rods from the shore. For recreational fishers, it is often considered an annoying catch because it swallows the hook deep and cuts the lines with its sharp teeth. Its commercial value is low primarily because of its appearance and the many small bones in its meat. Nevertheless, the meat is white, firm, and very tasty, and it is considered excellent for fish soup or fish mince once the bones are removed.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the Atlantic Lizardfish as a species of Least Concern due to its wide distribution. Scientific studies have shown that it plays an important role in coastal ecosystems as a predator that controls the populations of small fish. Furthermore, its habit of remaining motionless, like a vessel, has earned it the nickname "legendary submarine" in many regions.