Porichthys notatus

The plainfin midshipman (Porichthys notatus) is a species of bottom-dwelling batrachoid toadfish. It is a member of the midshipman genus, Porichthys, the only batrachoid fishes that have photophores. It is native to the North American coast of the Pacific Ocean, where its distribution extends along the coast from Sitka, Alaska, to Magdalena Bay in southern Baja California. There it inhabits shallow waters and will make migrations every spring to the rocky intertidal zones of the coast to breed.

The ”midshipman” name comes from the line of photophores found on their body; they are positioned similarly to the uniforms of midshipmen—the lowest-ranking naval officer of any navy. This fish is the “plainfin” in comparison to another midshipman species, the specklefin midshipman.

The plainfin midshipman is known for its “singing” abilities. During breeding, both male and female fish will vocalize to attract mates. The sound is well known among houseboat residents and has earned the fish nicknames of the “California singing fish,” or the “Humming Toadfish,” as well as becoming the namesake for The Sausalito Humming Toadfish Festival.