Fish Identification Photos: Queenfish, Seriphus politus: The Queenfish has an elongated body reaching a maximum length of 12 inches that is moderately compressed with an overall blue color and silver belly. The fins are various shades of yellow with the exception that the pectoral fin is dark with a dark base and the pelvic fins are transparent.

The Queenfish has a compressed head, with a slightly concave profile, and a very large oblique mouth with a projecting lower jaw. The anal and second dorsal fins have long bases being of equal length and the about the same length as the width of the gap between the two dorsal fins.

The Queenfish has a prominent lateral line. Due to these characteristics the Queenfish cannot be confused with any other fish.

In Mexican waters it has a limited range, being found only along the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula north of Magdalena Bay. It is common in shallow water around pier pilings during summer months but can also range to 180 feet deep in the water column.

The Queenfish feeds on small crabs, free swimming crustaceans, and fishes. The Queenfish has a small commercial market but is viewed as marginal table fare by most. It is also used as a live bait.

The Queenfish is a member of the Sciaenidae Family, a group of croakers or drums caught from the surf, which in Mexico are known as corvinas and berrugatas.

Queenfish, Seriphus politus: Caught off the Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, Caif., May 2006, in 60-degree water on cut mussel bail, size 4 hook, and a 2-ounze sinker. Size approximately 6 inches. Description and photo courtesy of John Snow.