It lives in the shallow coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

As in most bottom-feeding fish, its upper jaw projects further than the lower and the snout overhangs the mouth.

The other part of the dorsal fin is long and slightly tapered and has one spine and 24 to 27 soft rays.

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

It is found in schools in places where the seabed is sand or mud, in the surf zone and in estuaries.

[4] The northern kingfish is not fished commercially but from New Jersey southwards it provides good sport to surf anglers and those in boats close to the shore.