Northern Kingfish

Menticirrhus saxatilis

Regions

Florida

Protected status

None

Also known as

—

Species Profile

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

FWC

Appearance

Lower half of body silver; upper half of body silver to bronze
Dark, well-defined bars present along the body of the fish; bars on the shoulder form a distinct “V” shape
Dark horizontal stripe behind the pectoral fins; stripe extends onto the lower half of the caudal fin
First dorsal fin elongated and with dark tip
Single barbel on lower jaw

Habitat

Shallow coastal waters near hard or sandy bottom; common in surf zones and estuaries. May migrate offshore in deeper water during winter.

Behavior

Bottom dwelling fish that feeds on small shrimps, crabs, marine worms and small fish.

Additional information

Sources