The California lizardfish derives its name from its elongated cylindrical body and lizard-like head and mouth.

[5] Because of its long body and sharp teeth, the California lizardfish is occasionally mistaken for the barracuda.

[7] The California lizardfish spends most of its time camouflaged at the sandy bottom, buried or unburied, with its body propped up by its front ventral fins at a slight angle.

[9] This species is believed to spawn during the summer months, when adult fish have been observed to congregate on sandy patches.

Young lizardfish are less than 3 inches (7.6 cm) long, nearly transparent, and scaleless, with a row of large black spots under the skin of the belly.