Fin's Fish Guide
The Greene's midshipman (Porichthys greenei) is a saltwater fish of the family Batrachoididae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
Greene's midshipman is a toadfish (Batrachoididae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a flattened head, a broad mouth and rows of light-producing organs (photophores) on the belly and flanks, arranged in rows like a ship's portholes, hence the name. It lives on soft bottoms in shallow water to about 27 m. As a bottom predator it feeds on small crustaceans and small fishes. The dorsal fin and gill-cover spines are venomous and give a painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Greene's midshipman?
The Greene's midshipman has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Rows of photophores like ships' portholes; venomous dorsal fin and opercular spines.
Where does the Greene's midshipman live?
The Greene's midshipman lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; soft bottoms in shallow water.
How big does the Greene's midshipman get?
The Greene's midshipman grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Greene's midshipman dangerous to humans?
No, the Greene's midshipman is harmless to humans. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Greene's midshipman edible?
The Greene's midshipman is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Porichthys
More from the family Batrachoididae
Want the complete picture on the Greene's midshipman?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Greene's midshipman is one of 12,519 species in the app.