Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate and moderately compressed; color silvery to gray; no darker mottling on sides; 1 barbel on chin; dorsal fin with deep notch; inside of gill plate mostly pale; scales on chest noticeably smaller than those on sides; mouth subterminal; caudal fin pointed (juveniles) or S-shaped (adults). |
Similar Species |
Southern and northern kingfishes have dark blotches or banding and scales on chest are not noticeably reduced in size; inside of gill plate of southern kingfish is dusky. |
Habitat |
Gulf, sandy or muddy bottoms, common in the surf |
Maximum Size |
48 cm (19 in), common to 30 cm (12 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. XI,23-25; A. I,7 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
Gulf whiting; whiting |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |