Fin's Fish Guide
The Southern kingcroaker (Menticirrhus americanus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, on sand and silty bottoms of the surf zone, coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The southern kingcroaker is a slender drum of the family Sciaenidae reaching about 50 cm. The silvery-grey body has faint oblique bars, an inferior mouth and a short, stiff chin barbel with which the fish probes the bottom. Unlike many drums this species makes little sound. It lives on sand and mud bottoms of surf, shallow coastal water and estuaries in the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it searches with its barbel for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. Because of its tasty flesh and its presence just behind the surf it is a prized target for beach and surf anglers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Southern kingcroaker?
The Southern kingcroaker has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Slender croaker with an inferior mouth, a short chin barbel and faint oblique bars; a bottom hunter of the surf and estuaries.
Where does the Southern kingcroaker live?
The Southern kingcroaker lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, on sand and silty bottoms of the surf zone, coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Southern kingcroaker get?
The Southern kingcroaker grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Southern kingcroaker dangerous to humans?
No, the Southern kingcroaker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Southern kingcroaker edible?
Yes, the Southern kingcroaker is commonly eaten.
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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 Southern kingcroaker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Southern kingcroaker is one of 12,519 species in the app.