Atlantic Midshipman

Porichthys plectrodon, common name Atlantic midshipman fish, are distinguished by having photophores, which they use to attract prey, and four lateral lines. Typical midshipman fishes are nocturnal and bury themselves in sand or mud of the intertidal zone during the day.

Branchiostegal photophore series restricted mid-ventral, with deep U-shaped apex anteriorly; margin of soft dorsal fin membranes with black blotches, black margin intermittent (Ref. 13608).

Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 35 - 36; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 32 - 33

Inhabits mud or sand bottoms (Ref. 5217). Most common on rather shallow offshore banks, such as commercial shrimp grounds; less common inshore.

Inhabits mud or sand bottoms (Ref. 5217). Most common on rather shallow offshore banks, such as commercial shrimp grounds; less common inshore.

fisheries: minor commercial; price category: unknown; price reliability:

Porichthys plectrodon, commonly known as Atlantic midshipman, is a species of toad fish in the family Batrachoididae.

Western Atlantic: Virginia, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico to at least northern South America

benthic