See text A midshipman fish is any species of toadfish belonging to the genus Porichthys (in family Batrachoididae).

Porichthys refers to the well developed pores on the fish, and this led to the common name "Porous Catfish".

[3] The other common name, "Midshipman" is based on the pattern of button-like luminous spots (photophores) which resemble the buttons on the uniforms of young naval officers known as midshipmen.

[7] There are currently 14 recognized extant species in this genus:[8] Mating in midshipman fishes depends on auditory communication.

Male midshipman fish produce several different vocalizations while females only make grunts in non-breeding situations.