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Fewray midshipman (Porichthys pauciradiatus) — Batrachoididae

Fewray midshipman

Porichthys pauciradiatus

The Fewray midshipman (Porichthys pauciradiatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Batrachoididae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–9.0 m
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury
Range
North America: Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama

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Description

The fewray midshipman is a midshipman (Batrachoididae) from shallow coastal water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, scaleless, yellow-brown body with a broad, flat head, a wide mouth and rows of light-producing organs on the belly that look like buttons on a uniform. As a bottom-dweller it lies buried in sand and mud and seizes small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The sharp head and gill-cover spines can give a puncture wound when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fewray midshipman?

The Fewray midshipman has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly yellow-gold. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.

Where does the Fewray midshipman live?

The Fewray midshipman lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama

How big does the Fewray midshipman get?

The Fewray midshipman grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Fewray midshipman dangerous to humans?

The Fewray midshipman can cause injury; handle it with care. For a cut or puncture from a sharp fin spine: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Check that no spine fragment remains and watch for signs of infection; for a deep wound update tetanus protection.

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All data

Identification

English name
Fewray midshipman sourced
Scientific name
Porichthys pauciradiatus
Family
Batrachoididae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
15 inferred
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
9.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified
First aid
For a cut or puncture from a sharp fin spine: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Check that no spine fragment remains and watch for signs of infection; for a deep wound update tetanus protection. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Porichthys

More from the family Batrachoididae

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