| Family: |
Sillaginidae (Smelt-whitings) |
| Max. size: |
18.5 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 40 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Indian Ocean: Northern Red Sea (Gulf of Suez, Egypt) and southeastern Mediterranean Sea with southeastern Aegean Sea (Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 11-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-22; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 18-22; Vertebrae: 34-34. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: swimbladder divided posteriorly into 2 tapering extensions projecting below the vertebral column extending into the tail musculature; no scales on the preoperculum and on most of the operculum; 34 total number of vertebrae; swimbladder with lateral extensions each spreading a blind tubule anterolaterally; nostrils at the level of the upper quarter of the orbit with anterior nostril having a small flap and nearly round posterior nostril situated close to the first (Ref. 94953).
. |
| Biology: |
Usually on sandy substrates, where juveniles and subadults (up to 1.20 cm TL) are very common in shallow water of sandy beaches. Reported (Ref. 69752) to feed on benthic invertebrates, mainly on polychaetes and, to a lesser extent, on crustaceans. Known spawning season is from April to September. A commercial species in Israel caught by trawl and trammel net (Ref. 94953). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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