COMMON MARINE FISHES 



117 



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Photo by Al Johns for 



Haden & Carpenter, San Pedro 



MIDSHIPMAN 

 Species of Porichtbys 



Relationship: These fish are members of the toadfish family, Batrachoididae. 

 Two very similar species occur in California, Porichthys notatus and Porichthys 

 miriaster (shown above) . 



Distinguishing Characters: The numerous luminous organs or photophores 

 arranged in rows on the body and head (these look like small shiny spots) ; the two 

 dorsal fins, the first very small, composed of two short spines ; the ventral fins with one 

 spine and two rays. Length to about 15 inches. Color: Deep bronze with purplish or 

 bluish reflections above, paler on the sides, and becoming golden yellow below or entirely 

 bronze, darker above. Anal fin margined with dusky or black in adult miriaster; some- 

 what dusky in notatus but usually without dark margin. 



Distribution: P. notatus, Alaska to the Gulf of California in both shallow and 

 deep water; in deeper water, avoiding bays and shoals, south of Pt. Conception. P. 

 miriaster. Southern California south into Lower California, usually inshore and in bays. 



Fishing Season: None. Not the object of a fishery. 



Importance: Of no importance as a commercial or game fish, but seen fairly 

 often in catches of other species. 



Fishing Gear: Caught accidentally in round haul nets. 



Unauthorized Names: Singing fish, bullhead. 



