Kingfish, Northern
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View Regulations
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Scientific Name
Menticirrhus saxatilis
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Common Names
Northern whiting
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Description
The Northern Kingfish has a large first dorsal fin with a protruding spine and a sloped somewhat long head. Their coloration can range from bronze to darker green with dark bars of color forming strips running from the back mid-way down the fish. The belly is a silverfish color and the mouth has a single barbel.
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Habitat & Behaviour
Northern Kingfish can be found on sandy bottoms near coastal features such as beaches. They can also penetrate up brackish canals, or mull around channels and inlets.
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Natural Prey
The Northern Kingfish subsists on a diet of shrimp, invertebrates, small fish and other larvae.
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Handling Tips
Watch for spines on top. Can otherwise be handled with ease.
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