Synodus vityazi Ho, Prokofiev & Shao, 2010

Family:  Synodontidae (Lizardfishes), subfamily: Synodontinae
Max. size:  13.1 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 36 - 40 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Northeast Madagascar.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal soft rays: 9-10; Vertebrae: 56-57. This species is distinguished by the following combination of characters: D 12-13; A 9-10; pectoral rays 12-13; lateral line scales 56-58; scales between lateral line and base of dorsal fin 3.5; median predorsal scales 16-17; vertebrae 56-57; peritoneal spots 8; anterior palatine teeth not longer than posterior teeth; preopercle scaled posterior to corner of mouth; membranous posterior flap of anterior nostril slender, with a pointed tip, reaching to above posterior nostril when laid back; pectoral fins reaching a line connecting dorsal and pelvic fin origins, fin length 2.3-2.6 in head length; pelvic processes wedge-shaped, broad at base; color in alcohol with no marking, deep brown on dorsal surface restricted to central two-third of head and body longitudinally, about 2 scale rows above the lateral line, lateral and ventral surface uniformly silvery white without any blotch; all fins colorless, except for inner edge of caudal fin fork that is black (Ref. 84021).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 28 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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