Southern Kingfish

Range/Geographical Distribution: New York to Texas and the Bay of Campeche to Argentina.

Habitat: Shallow coastal waters, including beaches and estuaries. 

Description: Gray/brown above, silver sides, and seven or eight diagonal dark streaks along the body.  One barbel on chin, mouth inferior. 

Size: Can reach 15 inches in length and weigh 2.5 pounds.

Food: Use barbel to find worms, crabs, and shrimp.

Breeding:  Spawn April through September and larvae use nearshore waters such as beaches and estuaries as nursery grounds.

Predators:  Sharks and larger predatory fishes. 

Conservation Status: No legal status.

Interesting Facts: Southern kingfish, also known as whiting, reach sexual maturity at one year of age.

On the Coast: Southern kingfish are common on the Georgia coast and are an important fishery species both commercially and recreationally.