How to Identify King George Whiting

To identify King George Whiting (Sillaginodes punctata), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Silvery-bronze to pale brown dorsally, fading to white or silvery-white ventrally. Distinctive dark brown to black spots are scattered irregularly along the upper flanks and back, becoming less prominent with age. Fins are generally translucent to dusky.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, slender body., Small, pointed head with a small mouth., Two distinct dorsal fins., Prominent dark spots on the upper flanks., Long anal fin., Lateral line runs high along the body.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins. The first is short with 10-13 spines; the second is much longer with 1 spine and 25-27 soft rays.

Tail fin

Slightly forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Moderately long and pointed, with 15-17 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located beneath the pectoral fins, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays. The anal fin is long, originating below the second dorsal fin, with 2 spines and 26-28 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for the elongated, slender body with a silvery-bronze to pale brown back and sides, fading to white below. The most distinguishing feature is the presence of numerous small, dark brown to black spots scattered irregularly over the upper flanks and back.

2. 2

   Head and Mouth

   The head is relatively small and pointed, with a small, terminal mouth. The snout is slightly elongated.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fins

   Two distinct dorsal fins. The first is short and spiny, while the second is much longer and soft-rayed. This is a key characteristic of the Sillaginidae family.

4. 4

   Lateral Line

   The lateral line is prominent and runs high along the body, curving gently over the pectoral fin.

5. 5

   Size

   Can grow up to 72 cm in length and weigh over 4.8 kg, though most commonly caught specimens are between 30-50 cm.

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