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Gulf Kingfish

Menticirrhus littoralis
Managed by: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Regions
Florida
Protected status
None
Also known as
—

Species Profile

Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.

FWC
Size
Up to 18 inches
Similar species
Southern kingfish, M. americanus (caudal fin lacks a blackish tip); and northern kingfish, M. saxatilis (disting "V" mark above pectoral fins) Size: Up to 18 inches
Appearance
  • Body is silvery all over, without dark marks
  • First dorsal fin tip is often dusky-brown
  • Caudal fin (tail) has a blackish tip
  • Scales on underside are smaller than body scales
  • Barbel on lower jaw
Habitat
Coastal waters; common in surf zones along beaches.
Behavior
Thought to prefer high wave action areas such as sand bars where the crashing waves dislodge and suspend small crabs and other small crustaceans. Feeds on fishes and invertabrates.
Additional information
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Sources
Image credit: © Diane Rome Peebles