How to Identify Silver Sillago

To identify Silver Sillago (Sillago sihama), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically greenish-brown to sandy-brown, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Often has a faint, indistinct silvery lateral stripe. Fins are hyaline (transparent) to dusky, sometimes with a yellowish tinge.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, slightly compressed body, Small, pointed head with a terminal mouth, Two distinct dorsal fins, Large, ctenoid scales, Absence of a swim bladder extension to the auditory capsule (a key diagnostic feature for the genus Sillago)

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin has 10-11 spines, and the second dorsal fin has 1 spine and 19-23 soft rays. The first dorsal spine is typically short, and the second or third spine is the longest.

Tail fin

Caudal fin is emarginate to slightly forked.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are moderately long, reaching to or slightly beyond the origin of the second dorsal fin. They have 15-17 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays. Anal fin has 2 spines and 19-23 soft rays, similar in length to the second dorsal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for the elongated, silvery body with a greenish-brown to sandy-brown back. The overall slender profile is characteristic.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fins

   Note the two distinct dorsal fins. The first is spiny, and the second is soft-rayed. Count the spines (10-11) and rays (1 spine, 19-23 rays) for confirmation.

3. 3

   Snout and Mouth

   Observe the pointed snout and the small, terminal mouth, which is adapted for feeding on small benthic invertebrates.

4. 4

   Lateral Line

   The lateral line is complete and runs along the midline of the body. Scale counts along the lateral line (60-70) can be a distinguishing feature.

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