Sillago vittata McKay, 1985
Western school whiting
photo by Dowling, C.

Family:  Sillaginidae (Smelt-whitings)
Max. size:  30 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 20 - 55 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: Maud Landing southward to Rottnest Island, Western Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-19; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 16-18; Vertebrae: 32-34. Swim bladder with a median anterior extension and very brown to rusty brown very narrow bars extending from the back obliquely forward to touch or almost touch a conspicuous silvery midlateral longitudinal stripe.
Biology:  Most common near weed banks and coral reefs in shallow-water, but not captured in shallow areas of southern waters. Oviparous (Ref. 205), and are multiple spawners with synchronous development (Ref. 36823). Associated with S. burrus, S. schomburgkii, and S. analis. The flesh is of excellent quality (Ref. 6205).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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