Menticirrhus americanus
Carolina Whiting, Sand Whiting
Southern kingfish have an elongated body with an arched back that gives them almost a triangular shape. They are an overall silver-gray or copper in color, often with darker shades on the back. On their sides are a series of dark, vertical bars that help differentiate the southern kingfish from the gulf kingfish. The southern kingfish also has a large head and a single chin barbel. They have two dorsal fins, the first tall and pointed. The pectoral fin is relatively large and the back margin of the tail fin is uneven.
The Southern Kingfish feed on shrimp, squid, and smaller fish.
Southern kingfish are located in the western Atlantic as far north as New York and as far south as Buenos Aires, Argentina. They are found throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
The southern kingfish is an inshore species that inhabits shallow coastal waters. Typically found in the surf, southern kingfish prefer water over sandy or muddy bottoms. Though they can tolerate water from 46 to 84 F, they will move south and to deeper w
Usually one-half to one pound; rarely exceeds 2.
2 pounds, 13 ounces (IGFA)