A midshipman fish is any species of toadfish belonging to the genusPorichthys (in family 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) which resemble the buttons on the uniforms of young naval officers known as midshipmen.[4]
Midshipman fish are distinguished by their photophores and four lateral lines. Typical midshipman fishes, such as the plainfin midshipman (Porichthys notatus), are 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: 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 on an Atlantic midshipman. Midshipman fish are named after their photophores.
Extant species
There are currently 14 recognized extant species in this genus:[8]
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]
^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.
^Jordan, David S.; Bollman, Charles H. (1889). "Scientific results of explorations by steamer Albatross". Proceedings of the United States National Museum. 12: 149–183.
^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:10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.04.014. PMID24814010.
^ abBrantley, 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:10.1111/j.1439-0310.1994.tb01011.x.
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