# Midshipman fish

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Genus of fishes

Midshipman fish Temporal range: Late Miocene-Present[1] ~11.6–0 Ma PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N Plainfin midshipman (Porichthys notatus) Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Batrachoidiformes Family: Batrachoididae Subfamily: Porichthyinae Genus: Porichthys Girard 1854 Type species Porichthys notatus Girard 1854[2] Species See text

A **midshipman fish** is any species of [toadfish](/source/Toadfish) belonging to the [genus](/source/Genus) ***Porichthys*** (in family [Batrachoididae](/source/Batrachoididae)). Historically, there have been two common names. *Porichthys* refers to the well developed pores on the fish, and this led to the common name "Porous Catfish".[3] The other common name, "Midshipman" is based on the pattern of button-like luminous spots ([photophores](/source/Photophore)) which resemble the buttons on the uniforms of young naval officers known as [midshipmen](/source/Midshipman).[4]

Midshipman fish are distinguished by their [photophores](/source/Photophore) and four [lateral lines](/source/Lateral_line). Typical midshipman fishes, such as the plainfin midshipman (*[Porichthys notatus](/source/Porichthys_notatus)*), are [nocturnal](/source/Nocturnal) and bury themselves in sand or mud in the intertidal zone during the day, to float just above the seabed at night. Some species have venomous dorsal spines and are capable of inflicting serious injuries if handled.[5]

## Description

Male midshipman fish have two [morphs](/source/Morph_(zoology)): type I and type II. Type I and type II males have different reproductive strategies, and can be distinguished from each other based on physical characteristics. Type I males are eight times larger in body mass, and have much larger vocal organs. Type II males’ reproductive organs are seven times larger in size than those of type I males.[6] Female and type II male midshipman fish can be distinguished from each other by the female's slightly larger size, and the type II male midshipman's large reproductive organs.[7]

## Species

[Photophores](/source/Photophore) on an Atlantic midshipman. Midshipman fish are named after their photophores.

### Extant species

There are currently 14 recognized extant species in this genus:[8]

- *[Porichthys analis](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porichthys_analis&action=edit&redlink=1)* [C. L. Hubbs](/source/Carl_Leavitt_Hubbs) & [L. P. Schultz](/source/Leonard_Peter_Schultz), 1939 (Darkedge midshipman)

- *[Porichthys bathoiketes](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porichthys_bathoiketes&action=edit&redlink=1)* [C. R. Gilbert](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Carter_Rowell_Gilbert&action=edit&redlink=1), 1968

- *[Porichthys ephippiatus](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porichthys_ephippiatus&action=edit&redlink=1)* [H. J. Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Harold_J._Walker_Jr.&action=edit&redlink=1) & [Rosenblatt](/source/Richard_Heinrich_Rosenblatt), 1988 (Saddle midshipman)

- *[Porichthys greenei](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porichthys_greenei&action=edit&redlink=1)* [C. H. Gilbert](/source/Charles_Henry_Gilbert) & [Starks](/source/Edwin_Chapin_Starks), 1904 (Greene's midshipman)

- *[Porichthys kymosemeum](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porichthys_kymosemeum&action=edit&redlink=1)* [C. R. Gilbert](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Carter_Rowell_Gilbert&action=edit&redlink=1), 1968

- *[Porichthys margaritatus](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porichthys_margaritatus&action=edit&redlink=1)* ([J. Richardson](/source/John_Richardson_(naturalist)), 1844) (Daisy midshipman)

- *[Porichthys mimeticus](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porichthys_mimeticus&action=edit&redlink=1)* [H. J. Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Harold_J._Walker_Jr.&action=edit&redlink=1) & [Rosenblatt](/source/Richard_Heinrich_Rosenblatt), 1988 (Mimetic midshipman)

- *[Porichthys myriaster](/source/Porichthys_myriaster)* [C. L. Hubbs](/source/Carl_Leavitt_Hubbs) & [L. P. Schultz](/source/Leonard_Peter_Schultz), 1939 (Specklefin midshipman)

- *[Porichthys notatus](/source/Porichthys_notatus)* [Girard](/source/Charles_Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric_Girard), 1854 (Plainfin midshipman)

- *[Porichthys oculellus](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porichthys_oculellus&action=edit&redlink=1)* [H. J. Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Harold_J._Walker_Jr.&action=edit&redlink=1) & [Rosenblatt](/source/Richard_Heinrich_Rosenblatt), 1988 (Smalleye midshipman)

- *[Porichthys oculofrenum](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porichthys_oculofrenum&action=edit&redlink=1)* [C. R. Gilbert](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Carter_Rowell_Gilbert&action=edit&redlink=1), 1968

- *[Porichthys pauciradiatus](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porichthys_pauciradiatus&action=edit&redlink=1)* [D. K. Caldwell](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=David_Keller_Caldwell&action=edit&redlink=1) & [M. C. Caldwell](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Melba_Carstarphen_Caldwell&action=edit&redlink=1), 1963

- *[Porichthys plectrodon](/source/Porichthys_plectrodon)* [D. S. Jordan](/source/David_Starr_Jordan) & [C. H. Gilbert](/source/Charles_Henry_Gilbert), 1882 (Atlantic midshipman)

- *[Porichthys porosissimus](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porichthys_porosissimus&action=edit&redlink=1)* ([G. Cuvier](/source/Georges_Cuvier), 1829)

### Fossil species

- †*[Porichthys analis](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porichthys_analis&action=edit&redlink=1)* - [Early Pliocene](/source/Early_Pliocene) [Onzole Formation](/source/Onzole_Formation), Ecuador[9]

- †*[Porichthys margaritatus](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porichthys_margaritatus&action=edit&redlink=1)* - idem

- †*[Porichthys pedemontanus](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porichthys_pedemontanus&action=edit&redlink=1)* Robba 1970 - [Tortonian](/source/Tortonian) Italy[10]

## Biology

Atlantic midshipman *([Porichthys plectrodon](/source/Porichthys_plectrodon))*

### Reproduction and vocalization

Main article: [Reproduction and vocalization in midshipman fish](/source/Reproduction_and_vocalization_in_midshipman_fish)

Mating in midshipman fishes depends on auditory communication. Male midshipman fish produce several different vocalizations while females only make grunts in non-breeding situations.[6]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Sepkoski, Jack (2002). ["A compendium of fossil marine animal genera"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110723131237/http://strata.ummp.lsa.umich.edu/jack/showgenera.php?taxon=611&rank=class). *Bulletins of American Paleontology*. **364**: 560. Archived from [the original](http://strata.ummp.lsa.umich.edu/jack/showgenera.php?taxon=611&rank=class) on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2008-01-08.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CoF_2-0)** [Eschmeyer, William N.](/source/William_N._Eschmeyer); Fricke, Ron & van der Laan, Richard (eds.). ["Porichthys"](http://researcharchive.calacademy.org/research/ichthyology/catalog/fishcatget.asp?genid=2224). *[Catalog of Fishes](/source/Catalog_of_Fishes)*. [California Academy of Sciences](/source/California_Academy_of_Sciences). Retrieved 18 July 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Cooper_3-0)** Cooper, James Graham; Suckley, George; Cooper, William; Gibbs, George; Gray, Asa; LeConte, John L. (1859). *The Natural History of Washington Territory*. New York: Bailliere Brothers. p. 356.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Jordan_4-0)** Jordan, David S.; Bollman, Charles H. (1889). "Scientific results of explorations by steamer *Albatross*". *Proceedings of the United States National Museum*. **12**: 149–183.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Lopes-Ferreira_Ramos_Martins_Lima_2014_pp._28–39_5-0)** Lopes-Ferreira, Mônica; Ramos, Anderson Daniel; Martins, Itamar Alves; Lima, Carla; Conceição, Katia; Haddad, Vidal (August 2014). "Clinical manifestations and experimental studies on the spine extract of the toadfish Porichthys porosissimus". *Toxicon*. **86**: 28–39. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.04.014](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.toxicon.2014.04.014). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [24814010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24814010).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Brantley_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Brantley_6-1) Brantley, Richard K.; Bass, Andrew H. (26 April 2010). "Alternative Male Spawning Tactics and Acoustic Signals in the Plainfin Midshipman Fish Porichthys notatus Girard (Teleostei, Batrachoididae)". *Ethology*. **96** (3): 213–232. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1111/j.1439-0310.1994.tb01011.x](https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.1439-0310.1994.tb01011.x).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Lee_7-0)** Lee, Jonathan S. F.; Bass, Andrew H. (July 2006). ["Dimorphic male midshipman fish: reduced sexual selection or sexual selection for reduced characters?"](https://doi.org/10.1093%2Fbeheco%2Fark015). *Behavioral Ecology*. **17** (4): 670–675. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1093/beheco/ark015](https://doi.org/10.1093%2Fbeheco%2Fark015).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [Froese, Rainer](/source/Rainer_Froese); [Pauly, Daniel](/source/Daniel_Pauly) (eds.). ["Species in genus *Porichthys*"](https://www.fishbase.org/identification/SpeciesList.php?genus=Porichthys). *[FishBase](/source/FishBase)*. April 2012 version.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Onzole_9-0)** ["Onzole Formation"](https://paleobiodb.org/classic/displayCollResults?collection_no=col:135043). *[Fossilworks](/source/Fossilworks).org*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["*Porichthys pedemontanus* Robba 1970 (toadfish)"](https://paleobiodb.org/classic/basicTaxonInfo?taxon_no=txn:361425). *[Fossilworks](/source/Fossilworks).org*.

## External links

- Media related to [Porichthys](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Porichthys) at Wikimedia Commons

Taxon identifiers Porichthys Wikidata: Q1909490 Wikispecies: Porichthys AFD: Porichthys BOLD: 2907 CoL: 63Q9C GBIF: 2350811 iNaturalist: 60022 IRMNG: 1374400 ITIS: 164413 NCBI: 45383 Open Tree of Life: 720417 Paleobiology Database: 35690 WoRMS: 158783

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Midshipman fish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midshipman_fish) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midshipman_fish?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.