Sand whiting (summer whiting)
Sillago ciliata

Officers of DPI Fisheries

Description

Sand whiting is one of the largest Australian whiting species, growing up to 50cm (1.25kg). Sand whiting generally live for around 4 years and are sexually mature at 1 year old. At maturity they are around 21cm in length. These fish are uniformly silver, with brassy reflections. The soft dorsal fin is covered by rows of small dark dots, and a dark blotch is located at the base of the pectoral fin. Its pelvic and anal fins are yellow. Unlike the golden-lined whiting, its scales are smooth rather than rough.

Habitat/distribution

Sand whiting are nearshore fish and are found off coastal islands and on coastal beaches and sandbars, in coastal lakes, estuaries, tidal rivers and open bays. They range from Papua New Guinea down the east coast of Australia to Tasmania. These fish are most abundant in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, where they can be found in shallow water with sandy substrates, especially adjacent to surf beaches and sand flats within sheltered estuaries. Sand whiting move in large schools across sand banks near river mouths and in the surf zone. They forage for burrowing benthic animals such as yabbies, prawns, soldiers crabs and worms, using their conical snout to plough through sand or mud.

Further information

Department of Primary Industries. (2002). Fish Guide. Saltwater, Freshwater and Noxious Species. The Great Outdoors Publications, Brisbane.

Grant, E.M. (2002). Grant's Guide To Fishes. E.M. Grant Pty Limited, Brisbane.

Note: Some information in this publication may change from time to time (especially size and in-possession limits). You should contact your nearest Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol or the DPI&F Call Centre (13 25 23) for latest fisheries regulations and information.

This DPI Note is also published on the DPI&F's PrimeNotes CD-ROM.

Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.

File No: f00032
Last reviewed 19 December 2003