Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue-nose (Sillago ciliata) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sillaginidae that grows up to 51 cm.
Temperate coastal waters of eastern Australia; beaches, bays and estuaries.
Description
The sand whiting is a sand whiting (Sillaginidae) from the temperate coastal waters of eastern Australia. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a slender, elongate, sand-coloured to silvery-white body with a pointed head, adapted to life on sandy bottoms. It is a schooling inshore fish of beaches, sandbars, surf zones, open bays, estuaries and coastal lakes. With its inferior mouth it roots in the sand for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. It is a valued sport and food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue-nose?
The Blue-nose has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Pointed head and inferior mouth for rooting in sand; valued sport and food fish.
Where does the Blue-nose live?
The Blue-nose lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate coastal waters of eastern Australia; beaches, bays and estuaries.
How big does the Blue-nose get?
The Blue-nose grows to a maximum of about 51 cm.
Is the Blue-nose dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue-nose is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blue-nose edible?
Yes, the Blue-nose is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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 Blue-nose?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue-nose is one of 12,519 species in the app.