Taxonomy

Animalia

Chordata

Actinopterygii

Batrachoidiformes Porichthys

Midshipman

Porridge-fish Frog-shaped Ray-finned-fishes Possessing-a-chord Animals

Batrachoididae is the only family in the ray-finned fish order Batrachoidiformes. Members of this family are usually called toadfish, or "frogfish": both the English common name and scientific name refer to their toad-like appearance (batrakhos is Greek for frog).

Toadfish are benthic ambush predators that favor sandy or muddy substrates where their cryptic coloration helps them avoid detection by their prey. Toadfish are well known for their ability to "sing", males in particular using the swim bladder as a sound-production device used to attract mates.

Batrachoidiformes. Retrieved January, 01 2022, from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batrachoididae.


Midshipman fish belong to the genus Porichthys of toadfishes. They are distinguished by having photophores (which they use to attract prey and after which they are named, reminding some of a naval uniform's buttons) 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. At night they float just above the seabed. Some species have venomous dorsal spines and are capable of inflicting serious injuries if handled.

Porichthys. Retrieved January, 01 2022, from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midshipman_fish.