Atlantic midshipman (Porichthys plectrodon) fish species and information / pictures of Atlantic midshipman - Porichthys plectrodon

Atlantic midshipman (Porichthys plectrodon) fish species information

Scientific Name
Porichthys plectrodon

Common Name
Atlantic midshipman

Biology
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 35-36; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 32 - 33. Branchiostegal photophore series restricted mid-ventral, with deep U-shaped apex anteriorly; margin of soft dorsal fin membranes with black blotches, black margin intermittent (Ref. 13608).

Classification

Classified By

Jordan & Gilbert, 1882

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Toadfishes (Batrachoidiformes)

Family

Toadfishes (Batrachoididae)

Distribution

Region

Western Atlantic

Distribution

Western Atlantic: Virginia, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico to at least northern South America.

Range

38°N - 7°N

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

100 m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Marine; demersal; depth range ? - 100 m (Ref. 5217)

Trophic Level

4.42 s.e. 0.70 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

29.0 cm

Common Length

20.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5001 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial

Vulnerability

Moderate vulnerability (37 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated