Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate and moderately compressed; color silvery to gray, sometimes with yellow tinge; darker mottling on sides; pectoral fins dark on posterior margin; 1 barbel on chin; dorsal fin with deep notch; inside of gill plate dusky; scales on chest about the same size as those on sides; mouth subterminal; caudal fin pointed (juveniles) or S-shaped (adults). |
Similar Species |
Gulf kingfish has no darker markings on side and inside of gill plate is pale; northern kingfish has more distinct diagonal bars and a horizontal stripe on sides, its 2nd dorsal spine is elongate and reaches past the beginning of the soft dorsal rays |
Habitat |
Bay and shallow Gulf, sandy mud to hard sand bottoms |
Maximum Size |
50 cm (19 1/2 in), common to 30 cm (12 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. XI,24-25; A. I,7 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
southern whiting; whiting |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |