It lives in shallow coastal waters on the western fringes of the Atlantic Ocean.

The upper jaw projects further than the lower and the snout overhangs the mouth.

There are sometimes several broad slanting bands of darker colour on the back of the fish.

[4][5] The southern kingcroaker is a subtropical, demersal fish found in shallow waters in the western Atlantic Ocean.

[4] Spawning takes place from June to November in the area of Delaware Bay.