Living Sanibel: Lizardfish and striped mojarra
Lizardfish
(Synodus foetens)
The lizardfish is an inshore, as well as nearshore species. Inshore it is seldom longer than a foot, whereas in deeper water it can grow to 18 inches or more. Its range extends from southern Brazil to Massachusetts.
Best described as unattractive, the lizardfish has a mouth that is oddly wider than its sausage-shaped body. It varies widely in coloration, but its mottled olive and brown skin has an interesting pattern.
The lizardfish is considered by almost all anglers to be a junk fish. No one eats it, and aside from occasional use as cut bait for grouper, it is seldom used for anything else. When hooked, the lizardfish puts up hardly any struggle. It is predominantly a bottom feeder but will take a deep trolled lure offshore. It feeds on crabs, fish, and crustaceans and is eaten by groupers and sharks.
Striped mojarra
(Diapterus plumieri)
With a range that extends from South Carolina to Brazil, the bulk of the striped mojarra population lives in the Caribbean basin. Unlike pinfish or pigfish, the mojarra is sometimes trawl-netted and used for fishmeal in much the same fashion as menhaden. Fairly common, but generally only cast-netted and seldom caught on hook and line, the mojarra is not as popular as other baitfish.
The mojarra tends to die when put into a bait well, even one with good circulation. Its flesh is far softer than pigfish, and, therefore, it does not stay on a hook as well. In the estuary it feeds on micro-crustaceans, detritus, aquatic insects, and micro-bivalves. It is readily taken by snook, seatrout, and redfish. It can grow to be more than two pounds but because of its soft flesh does not make good table fare.
This is an excerpt from The Living Gulf Coast – A Nature Guide to Southwest Florida by Charles Sobczak. The book is available at all the Island bookstores, Baileys, Jerry’s and your favorite online sites.