How to Identify Northern Kingfish

To identify Northern Kingfish (Menticirrhus saxatilis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Silvery-gray to brownish-gray dorsally, fading to white ventrally. Typically exhibits 7-8 dark, oblique bars on the sides, with the first bar often extending through the eye. Fins are dusky.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Single, short, fleshy barbel on the chin, which is a key diagnostic feature for the genus Menticirrhus., Elongated body with a relatively flat ventral profile., High, arched back., Small, inferior mouth., Absence of a swim bladder, which is unusual for Sciaenids and contributes to their demersal lifestyle.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first is high and triangular with 10-11 spines (the third spine is typically the longest), and the second is long and low with 1 spine and 23-27 soft rays.

Tail fin

Slightly emarginate to truncate caudal fin, often with a pointed upper lobe.

Pectoral fin

Moderately long and pointed pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 1 spine and 7-8 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Chin Barbel

   Look for a single, short, fleshy barbel on the underside of the chin. This is a definitive characteristic of the Menticirrhus genus.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fin Spines

   Observe the first dorsal fin; the third spine is typically the longest, giving it a distinctive high, triangular appearance.

3. 3

   Body Markings

   Note the 7-8 dark, oblique bars on the sides. These can be more prominent or faded depending on the fish's mood and environment.

4. 4

   Mouth Position

   The mouth is small and inferior (downward-pointing), adapted for bottom feeding.

5. 5

   Absence of Swim Bladder

   While not visible externally, the lack of a swim bladder means these fish are typically found on or very near the bottom and do not produce drumming sounds like many other Sciaenids.

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