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ANIMAL SPECIES:Sand Whiting, Sillago ciliata Cuvier, 1829

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Sometimes called the Blue-nose Whiting, it is an important commercial and recreational species. The Sand Whiting is commonly found in bays, estuaries and beyond the breakers off surf beaches.

Alternative Name/s

Sometimes called the Blue-nose Whiting.

Identification

The Sand Whiting has a short-based spiny dorsal fin and a long-based soft dorsal fin. The lateral line is gently curved above the pectoral fin.

The species is silver-grey above and white below. The ventral and anal fins are yellow. There is a dusky spot on the pectoral fin base.

Size range

The Sand Whiting grows to 50 cm in length.

Distribution

The Sand Whiting is known from northern Queensland to Tasmania, including Lord Howe Island. It also occurs in Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Sand Whiting specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It is found in bays, estuaries and beyond the breakers off surf beaches. Juveniles live in seagrass beds and are sometimes seen in small aggregations on sandy slopes.

Living with us

Economic/social impacts

It is an important commercial and recreational species.

Classification

Species:
ciliata
Genus:
Sillago
Family:
Sillaginidae
Class:
Actinopterygii

What does this mean?

References

  1. Allen, G.R., Hoese, D.F., Paxton, J.R., Randall, J.E., Russell, B.C., Starck, W.A., Talbot, F.H., & G.P. Whitley. 1976. Annotated checklist of the Fishes of Lord Howe Island. Records of the Australian Museum. 30: 365-454.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 10 June 2009

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Lateral view of a Sand Whiting at Shiprock

Lateral view of a Sand Whiting at Shiprock View full size
Erik Schlögl © Erik Schlögl

A Sand Whiting at Shiprock

A Sand Whiting at Shiprock View full size
Erik Schlögl © Erik Schlögl

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