Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) >
Perciformes (Perch-likes) >
Sillaginidae (Smelt-whitings)
Etymology: Sillago: From a locality in Australia . More on author: Quoy, Gaimard.
Environment / Climate / Range
Ecology
Marine; brackish; demersal; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 50 m (Ref. 6205). Subtropical, preferred ?; 12°S - 39°S, 143°E - 157°E (Ref. 6205)
Western Pacific: endemic to Australia. Records of this species from western Australia or northern Australia refer to Sillago burrus. Also very similar to Sillago aeolus from southeast Asia (Sunda Shelf). Occurrence in Tanzania (Ref. 2871) is probably a misidentification.
Length at first maturity / Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm 19.0 range ? - ? cm
Max length : 30.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 6205); common length : 25.0 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 9679)
Dorsal
spines
(total): 12 - 13;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 19-21;
Anal
spines: 2;
Anal
soft rays: 19 - 20;
Vertebrae: 34 - 36. Anterolateral extensions of swim bladder recurved posteriorly to reach level of vent. Base of pectoral fin with black spot, back and sides with dark blotches. The upper and lower blotches are frequently joined, at least posteriorly, the upper blotches are generally larger; the opercle is dull or with an inner dark blotch showing through. Coloration is similar to S. burrus and S. aeolus.
Occur on silty and muddy substrates in the deeper water of bays, but also frequenting the mouths of rivers, estuaries, and mangrove creeks. Juveniles abound in estuaries and shallow water during summer, moving deeper as they mature. Diet of juveniles consist largely of small crustaceans and that of the adult fish consist mainly of polychaete worms and bivalve mollusks. Oviparous (Ref. 205). Spawn throughout the year with peaks in Dec.-Feb. (Ref. 6390). Marketed fresh (Ref. 9987) and chilled (Ref. 6390).
They spawn several times each year (Ref. 26745).
McKay, R.J., 1992. FAO Species Catalogue. Vol. 14. Sillaginid fishes of the world (family Sillaginidae). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of the sillago, smelt or Indo-Pacific whiting species known to date. Rome: FAO. FAO Fish. Synop. 125(14):87p. (Ref. 6205)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 115185)
CITES (Ref. 94142)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: experimental; gamefish: yes
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