Gulf kingcroaker
Photo Credit: CCA 3.0 NOAA\NMFS\Mississippi Laboratory
Family Croakers
Scientific Family Sciaenidae
Scientific Name Menticirrhus littoralis
Spanish Name Berrugato del Golfo
ITIS# 169275
Tail shape Truncate
Grayish brown above, shading to silvery below, no prominent bars. Lower jaw has single, stout, peg-like barbel with pore at tip. Scales on belly smaller than those on side
Biology
Occurs usually in coastal waters over sandy and muddy sea bottoms; juveniles are abundant in the surf zone. Sometimes enters estuaries. Feeds mainly on worms and crustaceans.
Appearance
Body Shape
Fusiform
Color
Main Color: Silver
Other Color: white
Other Color: white
Common Body Shape
Torpedo-shaped
Pattern
None
Length
Avg Length: 12 inches (30 cm)
Max Length: 19 inches (48 cm)
Max Length: 19 inches (48 cm)
Maximum Weight
3 lbs (1380 g)
Specifications
Handling Concerns
Harmless
Conservation Concerns
None
Range in USA
VA-TX
Abundance
Very Common
