Different Species of Lizards and Their Popular Diet
The lizard fish or Californian Lizard Fish are member of the Clostridiales order which in fact is a sub-order of the family of cichlids. These animals belong to an archosaurous aquatic species and in certain cases they may be found in the mouths of water-bodies that lie within the coastal area of this country. In some circumstances these animals can be discovered in the oceanic regions as well. They are mostly distributed throughout waters which are situated within the seas and oceans of this country. This is the reason why they are commonly found in different places such as along the coastlines of Southern California, Hawaii and even along the waters surrounding Oregon.
At present, there exist several species of this genus and they are classified into three orders. One of them is known as the Serpae Ornata which is a smaller species of this genus with the size of a quarter. It is a very shy species of this genus which lives in the lakes, streams and rivers of this country. Like the other members of its genus it has the capacity to use its tail as a swimming lure.
Among the other general descriptions of these animals, the most specific would be the ones that relate them to lizards. However, in recent times there have been several theories put forward which point out that they are actually amphibians. Some of their general characteristics in comparison with lizards include having bright colored skin with various shades ranging from orange to dark grey. They also possess long whiskerlike projections which provide them with excellent hearing capability. However, one of their unique features is that they have a toe box which is very much like that of a bird’s beak.
There are three different kinds of prey that a lizardfish might prefer to take on; these include crustaceans, insects and fish. It usually feeds on fishes and crabs although at some times it has also been seen to feed on small animals like shrews and hares. Their main habitat is generally in shallow water bays and inlets of lakes, streams and rivers. Their preferred food lies in the shallows of such bodies of water where the bottom lies at a greater degree of erosion.
Lizards are generally quite shy animals; they usually keep to themselves and are seldom seen in the company of other reptiles or even members of their own species. They can however become aggressive if threatened by bigger prey. The croaker and the common crocodile fish have been reported to have preyed on the lizard fish. A study made in South Australia revealed the fact that this trend was not unique to this area alone; this occurred in all parts of Australia except for one region which had a low level of crocodile fishing. This was attributed to an increase in the numbers of sand bass and croakers. Other than these two species, reports of lizard fish catching on croppers and sand barriers were also found in many parts of Australia.
It is generally believed that the Australian lizard fish belong to a special family called the Synodontidae which also includes the common bullfrog, damselfly and mouse tad and the common carp. The name’synodontidae’ is based on the word’syndrome’ derived from the Greek work “syndysis” meaning “shape resembling the shape of a frog”. In this family the most common member is the common carp, which forms the most diverse group in terms of color and general features. All other known members of this family are distinguished by having a longer body length and a short tail. They also differ from each other in having a head which generally protrudes out from the forehead.
Crocodiles and snakes belong to a separate genus whereas all other known representatives of this genus are split into two subgenera namely the Barbells Whistling and the Bottlenose Snake. Although all these known representatives of this genus are found in fresh water it is believed that they have originated from saltwater lakes. The most distinguishing feature of this genus is that its head is completely boneless, just like that of a snake. The other feature, which distinguishes this genus from other members of its subgenera, is the presence of numerous sensory organs including highly sensitive taste buds at its tips. This species usually has grayish colored fins and a bright red lower half which has a white stripe down the middle. Other distinguishing features include the prominent eyes of which two are present in the lower part, the short tail which may be bent backwards, large claws with two rows of distinct lines on the outer edge of each claw, short legs which bear little pads at its tips, short ears and a tail which can curl up when the fish is frightened.
It is believed that the Australian lizard fish is the only edible member of its genus. The flesh of this fish is easily prepared although it is not edible in any way as the flesh has a very high acidity level and will burn your mouth if you chew on it. The soft flesh of this fish is best eaten raw or cooked; it is even available in canned form in many supermarkets. Some of the more common dishes prepared using the flesh include Zebrawood (Cyprinus Carbo), Peppermint Crab and Chicken Lolly Gumbo although many others use it for cooking as well. Freshwater or saltwater lizards are a very popular catch and are preferred over other game fish because they are easy to catch and easy to take care of.
