Fin's Fish Guide
The Kingfish (Menticirrhus saxatilis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 46 cm.
Description
The northern kingfish (Menticirrhus saxatilis) is a drum of the family Sciaenidae from the western Atlantic. The species has a streamlined, silvery-grey body with oblique dark bars and a single chin barbel, and reaches about 46 cm. Adults live in shallow coastal water over sand and sandy-mud bottoms and are common in the surf and in estuaries; juveniles enter brackish tidal rivers. With its ventral mouth and chin barbel it searches the bottom for worms and crustaceans. The species has excellent flesh and is a valued sport and food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Kingfish?
The Kingfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Oblique dark vertical bars and a single chin barbel for searching the bottom.
Where does the Kingfish live?
The Kingfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Shallow coastal waters and surf of the western Atlantic.
How big does the Kingfish get?
The Kingfish grows to a maximum of about 46 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Kingfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Kingfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Kingfish edible?
The Kingfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Kingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Kingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Menticirrhus
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Kingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Kingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.