Sillaginidae
The Sillaginidae, commonly known as the whiting family, are a family of perciform fishes in the order Perciformes. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, inhabiting coastal areas, estuaries, and reefs. They are characterized by their elongated, slender bodies, with a slightly compressed head and a forked tail fin. The family comprises 14 species distributed across two genera, Sillago and Sillaginodes.
Common Names
Members of the Sillaginidae family are known by various common names, including:
- Whiting
- Tommy ruffs
- Silver whiting
- Sand whiting
- Yellowtail whiting
Characteristics
Sillaginidae are characterized by a number of features that distinguish them from other fish families. These include:
- Elongated, slender bodies
- Slightly compressed head
- Forked tail fin
- Small mouth with a single row of sharp teeth
- Two dorsal fins, the first with spines and the second with soft rays
- Single anal fin with soft rays
- Scales that are easily shed
- Coloration ranges from silvery-grey to brown, often with darker stripes or spots
Environments
Sillaginidae are found in a variety of coastal environments, including:
- Estuaries
- Coastal waters
- Reefs
- Sand flats
They are generally bottom-dwelling fishes, feeding on invertebrates and small fishes. They are an important part of the food chain and are commercially fished in many parts of the world.