Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appDescription
Sillago analis, commonly known as the Yellowfin whiting, is a species of inshore marine fish belonging to the family Sillaginidae. It is a popular target for recreational and commercial fisheries due to its palatable flesh. This species is characterized by its elongated body, silvery coloration, and distinctive yellow fins, particularly the pectoral and caudal fins in adults. It is a benthic species, typically found over sandy or muddy substrates in shallow coastal waters.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- Overall silvery-white to pale brown dorsally, fading to white ventrally. The most distinguishing feature is the bright yellow coloration on the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins, and often the lower lobe of the caudal fin, especially in larger adults. A faint silvery-yellow mid-lateral stripe may be present. The operculum often has a dark blotch.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Bright yellow pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins., Elongated, slender body., Small, ctenoid scales., Two distinct dorsal fins.
- Dorsal fin
- Two dorsal fins; the first with 10-11 spines, the second with 1 spine and 16-18 soft rays. The first dorsal fin is typically higher than the second.
- Tail fin
- Forked caudal fin, often with a yellow lower lobe.
- Pectoral fin
- Long and pointed, reaching beyond the tip of the pelvic fin, distinctly yellow.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic and anal fins also yellow. Anal fin with 2 spines and 16-18 soft rays.
Identification Tips
Fin Coloration
The most reliable identifier is the bright yellow color of the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins, which is particularly pronounced in adult specimens.
Body Shape
Its elongated, slender body is typical of the Sillaginidae family, but combined with the fin coloration, it helps distinguish it from other whiting species.
Lateral Line
The lateral line is complete and gently curved, with 68-74 scales.
Opercular Spot
A dark, often indistinct, blotch on the upper part of the operculum can be present.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow coastal waters from 0.5 to 30 meters, occasionally deeper.
- Environment
- Prefers sandy or muddy bottoms in estuaries, bays, and sheltered coastal areas. Often found near seagrass beds or mangroves, particularly as juveniles.
- Geographic range
- Indo-West Pacific, specifically along the northern and western coasts of Australia, from Queensland to Western Australia. Its range extends northwards to Papua New Guinea and parts of Southeast Asia.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 200 gallons
- Temperature: 22-26°C (72-79°F)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Generally peaceful with other non-aggressive, similarly sized marine fish. Avoid housing with very small fish or aggressive species.
- Special requirements: Requires a large tank with a deep sand bed for burrowing, excellent water quality, and a varied diet of live or frozen invertebrates. Not commonly kept in home aquaria due to size and specific needs.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Peak fishing seasons typically occur during warmer months, but can vary regionally based on spawning aggregations and local regulations.
- Market price: Varies by region and season, generally moderate to high.
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Mild, sweet
- Texture: Flaky, delicate
- Cooking methods: Frying, Grilling, Baking, Steaming
- Nutritional value: Good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
Burrowing Behaviorbehavior
Yellowfin whiting are known to burrow into the sand or mud, especially when resting or seeking refuge from predators. This behavior is facilitated by their elongated body shape.
Dietary Habitsbehavior
Their diet primarily consists of small benthic invertebrates such as polychaete worms, small crustaceans (e.g., prawns, crabs), and bivalve molluscs, which they forage for in the substrate.
Reproductive Strategybehavior
Yellowfin whiting are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. Spawning typically occurs in warmer months, often in estuarine or sheltered coastal areas.
Angler's Delightinteresting
Highly prized by recreational anglers for its fighting qualities and excellent table fare, making it a popular target species in its range.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin spines. The spines are not venomous.
Similar Species
Sand whiting
Sillago ciliata
Sillago ciliata generally lacks the prominent yellow fin coloration of S. analis. S. ciliata typically has a more silvery-white body with less distinct markings and often a dark blotch at the base of the pectoral fin, which is usually absent or very faint in S. analis.
Northern whiting
Sillago sihama
Sillago sihama has a more widespread distribution and generally lacks the strong yellow fin coloration. It often has a series of faint dusky blotches along the lateral line, which are not characteristic of S. analis.
Golden-lined whiting
Sillago parvisquamis
Sillago parvisquamis has a distinct golden-yellow stripe along its flank and lacks the bright yellow fins of S. analis. Its scales are also notably smaller.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Sillaginidae
- Genus
- Sillago
- Species
- Sillago analis
Explore Yellowfin whiting
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.