midshipman fish

Meaning

Noun

• Any of the toadfishes of genus Porichthys (genus), distinguished by photophores and four lateral lines, typically nocturnal, and noted for a hum produced by males during the breeding season.

Related

Similar words

• midshipman

Origin

• From midshipman + fish, after their prey-attracting photophores, which are said to resemble the buttons of a naval uniform.