Trachinocephalus trachinus

Trachinocephalus trachinus, also known as the Indo-Pacific blunt-nose lizardfish is a species of fish in the family Synodontidae found in Indo-Pacific. Although previously synonymized with T. myops, Polanco et al. (2016) demonstrated that the two are distinct in the number of lateral-line scales and other meristics, and resurrected T. trachinus for the Indo-Pacific population.^[1] This species grows to a length of 40 centimetres (16 in) TL.^[2]

Trachinocephalus trachinus is a slender, bottom-dwelling lizardfish with a pointed head and a mouth lined with sharp, conical teeth.^[3] The body is elongated and cylindrical, with small cycloid scales that give it a smooth texture.^[4] Its coloration typically includes a light tan or brown body with darker blotches and faint horizontal stripes that help it blend into sandy or rubble-covered habitats. ^[3] Like other lizardfishes, it has a large mouth and forward-facing eyes that support its ambush-predator lifestyle.^[4] The dorsal fin is located near the middle of the body, and the species has a small adipose fin near the tail, which is a characteristic feature of the group.^[5]

Although originally thought to be widespread, Trachinocephalus trachinus is now recognized as primarily an Indo-Pacific species.^[6] The species typically lives on soft substrates where it can bury itself while waiting for prey.^[4] Its preferred habitat includes warm to temperate waters where small fishes and invertebrates are abundant.^[3]

Trachinocephalus trachinus is an ambush predator, feeding mostly on small fishes and occasionally crustaceans it captures by lunging from the substrate.^[3] Its body shape and coloration allow it to remain partially buried in sand, giving it an advantage when hunting unsuspecting prey.^[4] The species is known for its rapid striking behavior, which is common among lizardfishes and supported by strong jaw muscles and sharp teeth.^[4]