Kingfish is kosher according to Jewish dietary law.

What is the scientific name of Kingfish?

The scientific name of Kingfish is Menticirrhus species.

Does Kingfish have fins and scales?

Yes. Kingfish has both fins and removable scales, which is the requirement set in Leviticus 11:9-12 and Deuteronomy 14:9-10 for a fish to be considered kosher.

Can I eat Kingfish sushi or sashimi?

If Kingfish is prepared in a kosher kitchen with kosher utensils and ingredients, Kingfish sushi or sashimi can be kosher. Always verify the kosher certification of the restaurant or preparation source.

Where can I find more information about whether Kingfish is kosher?

KosherFish.co references the Orthodox Union (OU) and Chabad lists of kosher and non-kosher fish. For specific halachic questions, consult your local Orthodox rabbi.

Kingfish

Menticirrhus species

Kosher

Has fins and scales

Fins Yes

Scales Yes

Description

Kingfish (genus Menticirrhus) live in coastal waters of the Americas. In the Pacific they range from California south to Peru, and in the western Atlantic they run from Massachusetts down to northern Argentina. They're a nearshore, bottom-associated fish.

Also known as

King Whiting
Northern Kingfish
Southern Kingfish
Gulf Kingfish
Kingcroaker

Kosher Kingfish in foreign languages

Scientific	Menticirrhus species
Portuguese	Papa-terra
French	Bourrugue
German	Königsfische

Gallery

Kingfish — Whole on ice — Whole on ice · Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan / CC BY-SA 2.0

Warnings & Kosher Issues

Kosher. Kingfish (the Menticirrhus drums) have fins and scales.
Don't confuse it with king mackerel, which is also called kingfish in some regions.