Slender whiting facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slender whiting |
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| Individuals at the Kuwait Scientific Center | |
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Sillaginidae |
| Genus: | Sillago |
| Species: |
S. attenuata
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| Binomial name | |
| Sillago attenuata McKay, 1985
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| Range of the Slender whiting | |
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The slender whiting (Sillago attenuata) is a type of fish that lives in the ocean, close to shore. It belongs to the smelt whiting family, Sillaginidae. This fish is only found in the Persian Gulf. Scientists need to study its features carefully, like its fins, bones, and a special air sac called a swim bladder, to tell it apart from other similar fish. Fishermen often catch the slender whiting using nets near beaches, and it's sold fresh in local markets for people to eat.
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How Scientists Name Fish
The slender whiting is one of more than 30 species in the Sillago group. This group is part of the smelt whiting family, Sillaginidae. Scientists use a system called taxonomy to name and organize all living things.
A scientist named McKay first identified and named this fish Sillago attenuata in 1985. He studied a special fish specimen collected in 1948 from Ras Tanura in the Persian Gulf. The name attenuata comes from a Latin word meaning "slender," which describes this fish well.
What Does the Slender Whiting Look Like?
The slender whiting has a body shape similar to other smelt whiting fish. It is long and a bit flat, covered in rough scales. Its body gets narrower towards its mouth. Since there are three similar fish species in the Persian Gulf, scientists look at specific body parts to tell them apart.
The first top fin (dorsal fin) has 12 or 13 stiff spines. The second top fin has one spine and 19 to 21 soft rays. The fin on its belly (anal fin) is similar, with 2 spines and 18 to 20 soft rays. Scientists also count the scales along its side, which are usually between 73 and 77. They also count its backbone bones (vertebrae), which are 37 to 39.
This fish has a very thin and clear swim bladder. This is a special air sac that helps the fish float in the water. Unlike other Sillago fish, its swim bladder is very delicate.
The slender whiting is usually a light sandy brown color. It has two faint rows of spots along its sides. The upper row has about 8 or 9 spots, and the lower row has 10 spots. There are also some unclear spots along the base of its first top fin. The membranes of the second top fin have tiny black spots. All its other fins are clear. Young slender whitings have a clear row of 9 long spots along their sides.
Where Do Slender Whitings Live?
The slender whiting is found only in the Persian Gulf. It lives in shallow waters close to the coast. This fish often visits beaches and probably lives in tidal flats along the shore. Not much else is known about how this fish lives or its specific home.
Why Are Slender Whitings Important to People?
People living along the coast of the Persian Gulf often catch the slender whiting. It is an important fish for families who catch fish for their own food. It is also caught by small fishing businesses. The fish is sold fresh in local markets. Like many other Sillago species, it is often caught with other similar fish and used for food.
