Stout Whiting

Interesting Info

• The Stout Whiting is endemic to Australia has a wide distribution, covering various coastal regions of the country. It can be found from southwestern Western Australia, along the Northern Territory, Queensland and south through New South Wales and into Victoria.
• These fish have elongated bodies with a robust appearance, hence their name. They have a silver-grey coloration on their back, fading to a lighter shade on their belly. Stout Whiting also have a prominent dark lateral line running along their sides.
• They are known to be active feeders, mainly consuming small crustaceans, molluscs, and other invertebrates found in the sand or mud.
• Stout Whiting are known for their schooling behaviour. They often gather in large schools, which provides them with protection against predators and increases their chances of finding food.
• The Stout Whiting plays an important ecological role in estuarine ecosystems. As an intermediate-level predator, they help control populations of smaller organisms within the food web. They also serve as a food source for larger predatory fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, contributing to the overall biodiversity and stability of the ecosystem.
• Breeding habits of Stout Whiting are influenced by seasonal variations. They typically spawn during the warmer months, with peak breeding occurring between spring and summer.
• They have a high reproductive potential, with females capable of producing large quantities of eggs during each breeding season. This contributes to the species’ resilience and ability to sustain populations.
• Their estimated average lifespan is between 7 – 10 years.