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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

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.

Where does the Fewray midshipman live?

The Fewray midshipman lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

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.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Weinigstraal-bootsman sourced
English name
Fewray midshipman sourced
Scientific name
Porichthys pauciradiatus
Family
Batrachoididae

Appearance

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
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified

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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