Identification, habitats and seasonal occurrence of juvenile whiting (Sillaginidae) in Moreton Bay, Queensland

Abstract

Three sympatric whiting species‐(Sillaginidae)—sand whiting, Sillago ciliata, golden‐lined whiting, Sillago analis, and trumpeter whiting, Sillago maculata, are common in Moreton Bay, Queensland. Their identification, habitats and seasonal occurrence of juveniles are studied. A key to identification of these species is provided. Juveniles of the three species inhabit shallow shores including lower sections of creeks and rivers; but 5. ciliata prefer sandy substrates with less than 1 m depth and S. analis favour muddy‐sand substrates also with less than 1 m depth, while 5. maculata juveniles stay in muddy‐sand to muddy substrates at 1–3 m depth. Sillago analis juveniles appear at the waters' edge from October to May each year.