I have had a hard time distinguishing Synodus binotatus from some S. variegatus. Some of the IDs may be incorrect. One differerence I have tried to key on is the presence of two round black dots at the tip of the snout in S. binotatus. S. varietatus may have black marks there, but they are typically narrow, more elongate longitudinal streaks. Both species appear to be common on a wide range of lagoon, pinnacle and seaward reefs.
The red variety below was photographed by Stan Jazwinski.
Created 30 January 2018
Updated 20 August 2019