Northern Kingfish

Menticirrhus saxatilis

Although it looks a bit like a codfish, the northern kingfish is actually a member of the drum family. It has a long front dorsal fin and a short barbel on its chin. Kingfish are generally bottom feeders, eating small crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. They can grow up to eighteen inches long and live for two to four years. Kingfish are found in saltier parts of the Hudson River as well as in the waterways around New York City, especially in areas with hard or sandy bottoms.