Home
>
Fish
>
Sand Whiting

Sand Whiting

Sillago Ciliata

Quick Facts

Scientific name Sillago Ciliata

Other names Blue Nose Whiting, Sand Sillago, Silver Whiting, Summer Whiting

Size Up to 55 cm (21.65 in)

Weight Up to 1.4 kg (3.08 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal waters, estuaries, river mouths, bays & surf zones amongst sandy areas

Depth Range 1 - 20 m (65 ft)

Interesting Info

The Sand Whiting is one of the most common and best-known whiting species on the east coast of Australia, ranging from Cape York in Queensland south to eastern Victoria.
It is absent from southern and western Australia, making it an exclusively eastern and northern species within the country.
Their body is long and slender, with a silvery to pale bronze sheen and a faint golden mid-lateral stripe, helping them blend perfectly with sandy seafloors.
Juveniles inhabit very shallow sandy beaches, estuaries, and seagrass beds, while adults move into deeper tidal channels and coastal sandbanks.
They are a fast-growing species, reaching legal size (23–25 cm in many states) within about 2–3 years.
The lifespan of Sand Whiting is around 7–10 years, though most fish caught by anglers are under 5 years old.
They feed by sucking small invertebrates out of the sand, including polychaete worms, yabbies, soldier crabs, shrimp, and molluscs.
Spawning usually occurs offshore during spring and summer, with eggs and larvae drifting back into estuaries and beaches as nursery habitats.
Sand Whiting are strong, fast swimmers and put up an impressive fight on light fishing tackle, making them a favourite target for recreational anglers.
They are highly valued as a table fish, with delicate, sweet, white flesh that is often regarded as second only to King George Whiting.
Predators include larger fishes such as flathead, mulloway, trevally, and tailor, as well as seabirds in shallow estuaries.
They are often caught from sandy beaches, estuary mouths, and tidal flats using baits such as worms, pipis, yabbies, and prawns.
Commercially, Sand Whiting are taken in beach seine and estuarine net fisheries, but strict quotas and size limits protect stocks.
This species is sometimes confused with Trumpeter and Goldenline Whiting, but the lack of heavy spotting and the faint golden line are good identification clues.
Sand Whiting are considered an “entry-level” target for young anglers, as they are abundant, easy to catch, and excellent eating.

Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing, Snorkeling & Diving

Sand Whiting are a popular fishing species among recreational anglers. They are highly sought after for their abundance, sporting qualities, and delicious taste. Sand Whiting provide an enjoyable fishing experience due to their willingness to take bait and the challenge they present in light tackle situations. They are not aggressive and can be observed in the wild by snorkelers and divers. They can often be found foraging for food in schools, making for an interesting sight.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Sillaginidae

Genus: Sillago

Species: Sillago Ciliata

Conservation Status

In terms of conservation status, Sand Whiting is not currently listed as a threatened species in Australia. However, it is important to ensure sustainable fishing practices to maintain their populations.

Fish Taste Quality

Sand Whiting are considered excellent eating fish with a delicate flavour. They have white, flaky flesh that is mild and slightly sweet. The meat is moist and tender, making it highly desirable for culinary purposes.

Taste Rating: 4/5