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.

Spotted a Plainfin Midshipman?

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.

Get Huck - free
5,300+species
63national parks
50states

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