Appearance
The body of the variegated lizardfish is rounded in cross-section, with a broad, slightly flattened head and a large, wide mouth. The upper and lower jaws project equally, and both jaws, along with all mouth bones, are armed with conical, barbed teeth. Its strong, thick pelvic fins function as supports when the fish rests on the seabed while waiting to ambush prey.
The variegated lizardfish varies in color from grey to red, with hourglass-shaped markings.