The Southern Kingcroaker (Menticirrhus americanus), also known as the southern kingfish or whiting, is a coastal marine species found along the western Atlantic, from the southeastern United States through the Gulf of Mexico and down to Argentina. This bottom-dwelling fish is prized for its mild, flaky flesh and is targeted by both commercial and recreational fisheries. The top countries harvesting the Southern Kingcroaker include the United States (especially in the Gulf of Mexico), Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. In these nations, the species is caught using trawls, gillnets, and handlines, contributing to local seafood markets and small-scale fisheries. While not as heavily exploited as some other croaker species, the Southern Kingcroaker remains an important resource for coastal communities throughout its range.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.