Sillago sinica Gao & Xue, 2011

Family:  Sillaginidae (Smelt-whitings)
Max. size:  15.737 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; brackish; marine
Distribution:  Asia: China. Estuarine area of Feiyun R., near Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Prov. (Ref. 86540).
Diagnosis:  It differs from other Sillago species; the 1st dorsal fin S. sinica sp. nov. has X or XI (not to XII); scales above lateral line 7 or 8; gill rakers 2-4+6-8; vertebra: abdominal 13-17 (mostly 15), modified 0-4 (mostly 2), caudal 19-24 (mostly 21), and total 37-39 (mostly 38). We could also see apparent differences among pictures of otoliths of the 6 Sillago species with S. sinica sp. nov. having a kernel-shaped otolith with a wavy edge. Genetic analysis also showed interspecific differentiation among the 6 Sillago species (Ref. 86540).
Biology:  Probably inhabiting tidal flats in estuarine areas (Ref. 86540).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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