The Silver Sillago, Sand Smelt, Northern Whiting (Sillago sihama) is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Sillaginidae. This species is commonly found in coastal waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Description and Characteristics
The Silver Sillago is a slender, elongated fish with a distinctive silver coloration. It possesses a slightly compressed body and a long, pointed snout. The species can reach a maximum size of 31.0 cm. The mouth is slightly upturned, and the eyes are relatively large. The dorsal fin is divided into two distinct parts, with the first part being short and spiny, while the second part is longer and soft-rayed. The anal fin is also soft-rayed and positioned behind the dorsal fin.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Silver Sillago, Sand Smelt, Northern Whiting (Sillago sihama) typically inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, and sandy bottoms. It is commonly found in depths ranging from 0.0 to 60.0 meters. This species is a prevalent presence in both the Neritic zone (coastal waters) and the Oceanic zone (open ocean), demonstrating its adaptability to diverse marine environments.
Taxonomy
The species Sillago sihama belongs to the family Sillaginidae, a group of fishes known as whiting or smelt-whiting. It is classified within the Class: Teleostei, which encompasses the vast majority of bony fishes. Furthermore, it is placed within the Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, a group of fish with uncertain phylogenetic relationships.
Feeding
The Silver Sillago is a carnivorous fish with a diverse diet. It predominantly feeds on a variety of invertebrates, including crustaceans (such as shrimps, crabs, and copepods), worms, mollusks (such as clams and snails), and other small invertebrates. Additionally, it may consume algae, epiphytes, fish eggs, fish larvae, and even small fishes. This broad dietary spectrum reflects its opportunistic feeding habits and its ability to exploit a variety of food sources within its habitat.
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