302 Lizard Fish, Common Killifish 



enter fresh-water streams but remains in the sea. Fish is 



its chief food, but shrimp and small shellfish are also 



eaten. 



Economic Importance: A few are taken by commercial 



fishermen fishing for other species of fish. It is often taken 



by anglers fishing on the bottom offshore. 



Lizard Fish 

 Sy nodus foetens (Linnaeus) 



Color: Olive-brown above; sides and belly silvery. 

 Distribution: Occurs from Cape Cod to Brazil. Most com- 

 mon from South Carolina south. 

 Size: Reported to reach a length of 2 feet. 

 General Information: The Lizard Fish is a common species 

 on sandy shores in the southern part of its range. It is 

 usually uncommon in the north but in some years smaller 

 fish, 5-7 inches long, may appear in numbers. It is re- 

 ported to eat small fish, crabs, shrimp, worms, and other 

 small aquatic animals. 



Economic Importance: None. Occasionally fish are taken 

 by anglers fishing for other species. 



Common Killifish 

 Fundulus heteroclitus (Linnaeus) 



Color: Large females brown-green above; lighter on lower 

 sides and belly. Breeding males more silvery on lower 

 sides; yellow on belly, anal fins, ventral fins, and edges of 



