Fin's Fish Guide
The Bass strait whiting (Sillago bassensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Sillaginidae that grows up to 33 cm.
Temperate coastal waters of southern Australia; sandy bottoms and surf zones.
Description
The southern school whiting is a sand whiting (Sillaginidae) from the temperate coastal waters of southern Australia. The species has a slender, elongate, sand-coloured body with a pointed head, adapted to life on sandy bottoms. It lives close to the sea bed over sandy substrates, in the surf zone of beaches and in quiet waters of bays and sandbanks, and is trawled to at least 55 m deep. It lives in schools and searches with its inferior mouth for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. It is a valued food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bass strait whiting?
The Bass strait whiting has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Pointed head and inferior mouth; schooling sand-dwelling fish and valued food fish.
Where does the Bass strait whiting live?
The Bass strait whiting lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate coastal waters of southern Australia; sandy bottoms and surf zones.
How big does the Bass strait whiting get?
The Bass strait whiting grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.
Is the Bass strait whiting dangerous to humans?
No, the Bass strait whiting is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bass strait whiting edible?
Yes, the Bass strait whiting is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sillago
More from the family Sillaginidae
Want the complete picture on the Bass strait whiting?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bass strait whiting is one of 12,519 species in the app.