Japanese whiting facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Japanese whiting |
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The Japanese whiting (scientific name: Sillago japonica) is a common type of fish found in the ocean near coasts. It is also known as the Japanese sillago or Shiro-gisu. This fish belongs to a family called smelt-whitings, or Sillaginidae.
The Japanese whiting was first discovered in Japan in 1843. Since then, it has also been found in Korea, China, and Taiwan. These fish live in many different shallow water areas. They eat small crabs and shrimp, as well as worms, clams, and even tiny fish.
Japanese whiting lay their eggs between June and October. During this time, many are caught by fishermen. Because they are one of the most common fish around Japan, they are a big part of the fish caught for sale.
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About the Japanese Whiting
The Japanese whiting is one of 29 different types of fish in the group called Sillago. This group is part of the smelt-whiting family, Sillaginidae. These fish are a type of Perciformes, which is a large group of ray-finned fish.
Scientists Temminck and Schlegel first described this fish in 1843. They found it along the coast of Japan. Sometimes, people have confused the Japanese whiting with another fish called Sillago sihama.
The name "Japanese whiting" comes from Japan, where it was first found. However, we now know it lives in many other places too. In Japan, it's called Shiro-gisu, and in China, it's known as Chin-Sa-Suo.
What Does It Look Like?
Like most fish in the Sillago group, the Japanese whiting has a body that is a bit flat on the sides and long. It gets narrower towards its mouth. Its body is covered in small, rough scales. Even its cheeks have two rows of scales.
This fish has two dorsal fins (fins on its back). The first one has 11 stiff spines. The second one has 1 spine and 21 to 23 soft rays. The anal fin (on its belly) is similar, with 2 spines and 22 to 24 soft rays. Other features include 70 to 73 scales along its lateral line (a line of special scales that help fish sense movement). It also has 35 backbones. The Japanese whiting can grow to be over 30 cm (11.8 in) long.
The fish is greenish-grey on top, with a darker head. Its underside is whitish. Its fins are mostly clear, but the first dorsal fin has tiny brown spots. The caudal fin (tail fin) is whitish with dark edges.
Where It Lives and What It Likes
The Japanese whiting lives in a wide area, from Japan west to Korea, China, and Taiwan. It might even live as far south as the Philippines. It is the most common smelt-whiting in Japan. It is also one of the most common fish found in shallow coastal waters.
S. japonica lives in many different places. It likes shallow, sandy areas in bays, beaches where waves break, and protected areas with eelgrass (a type of seagrass). Sometimes, it can also be found in estuaries (where rivers meet the sea). These fish live in shallow water, usually between 0 and 30 meters (98 ft) deep. Young fish often use eelgrass beds as safe places to grow, finding both food and protection there. Adult fish move to more open areas.
Life and Habits
Like other smelt-whitings, the Japanese whiting lives near the bottom of the ocean. This is because the small animals they eat also live on the bottom. Japanese whiting often swim together in groups, like most other smelt-whitings. They can also bury themselves in the sand to hide from predators or to look for food.
What They Eat
Studies show that what Japanese whiting eat changes as they grow. Young fish, about 20 mm long, mostly eat tiny copepods and some small mysids (a type of shrimp). Older fish eat a lot more mysids, and fewer copepods or worms. Other studies have found that they also eat amphipods, small clams, shrimp, crabs, and even small fish. This helps them avoid competing for food with other fish. What they eat also changes with the Seasons, depending on what food is available.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Japanese whiting lay between 13,600 and 68,900 eggs during their spawning season, which is from June to October. Scientists have studied how their young develop. Young fish live in safe places like shallow bays and seagrass beds. Both male and female Japanese whiting can start having babies when they are about 2 years old. They can live for at least 4 years and grow to be more than 30 cm long.
How Humans Use Them
Because it is so common in Japan, the Japanese whiting is a very important fish for business. People really like its delicate taste. People who fish for fun in Japan also catch this fish often, especially in summer. It's easy to catch from the shore. Many studies have been done on how to breed these fish in tanks. This has led to a market for raising Japanese whiting on aquaculture farms.
In other countries, where different types of smelt-whitings are more common, Japanese whiting are sometimes caught by accident. They are usually caught along with other Sillago species.
Images for kids
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Japanese whiting
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Range of the Japanese whiting
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Japanese whiting caught in Tokyo Bay
See also
In Spanish: Silago japonés para niños
