Species FishPlainfin Midshipman

Plainfin Midshipman

Porichthys notatus

CommonFish
Illustration of Plainfin Midshipman (Porichthys notatus)

The Plainfin Midshipman is a small fish characterized by its elongated body and distinctive bioluminescent organs along its sides. A memorable fact is that males produce a humming sound during the breeding season to attract females.

Habitat
Found in sandy or muddy substrates in coastal waters.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small invertebrates and fish.
How common
Common

Recent Plainfin Midshipman sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Plainfin Midshipman? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Plainfin Midshipman is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love fish? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More fish

Plains Longear Sunfish
Plains Longear Sunfish
Lepomis aquilensis
Planehead Filefish
Planehead Filefish
Stephanolepis hispida
Pollock
Pollock
Pollachius virens
Pompano
Pompano
Trachinotus ovatus
Porcupinefish
Porcupinefish
Diodon hystrix
Porkfish
Porkfish
Anisotremus virginicus
Port Jackson Shark
Port Jackson Shark
Heterodontus portusjacksoni
Powder Blue Tang
Powder Blue Tang
Acanthurus leucosternon