lautnusantara.com The Sillaginidae family consists of marine fish belonging to the order Perciformes. This family comprises around 30 types of fish distributed across various aquatic regions worldwide, from tropical to temperate waters. Although not as famous as tuna or salmon, the Sillaginidae family holds significant commercial value in several countries, particularly in Asia and Australia. Here are five interesting facts about the Sillaginidae family.

1. Types of Species

According to FishBase, the Sillaginidae family includes several species. They originate from the genera Sillaginops, Sillago, Sillaginopodys, Sillaginodes, and several other genera. Some examples of species from the Sillaginidae family are Sillago sihama, Sillago parvisquamis, Sillago japonica, Sillaginopsis panijus, and many more.

2. Habitat and Distribution

The Sillaginidae family is distributed across various aquatic regions worldwide, from tropical to temperate waters. Some species from this family can be found on sandy beaches and coral reefs, in deep-sea waters, and in brackish waters or river deltas.

As stated by Animals, most populations live at depths between 100 feet and 328 feet below the surface. However, you can find them in shallow waters up to 30 feet, and as deep as 700 feet below the surface.

3. Morphology and Physical Characteristics

According to Britannica, their body shape is elongated with a long, conical snout, a small mouth, fairly long dorsal and anal fins, and 2 weak spines between the anal fins. Fish from this family also have a relatively large head, with a slightly upward-curving mouth. The dorsal and caudal fins of these fish tend to be symmetrical and located at the end of the body.

The body color of the Sillaginidae family varies depending on the species and the habitat where the fish lives. Some species have a silver or grayish body, with spots or lines along their bodies. Meanwhile, some species have brighter colored bodies, such as yellow or bluish-green.

4. Commercial Value and Usage

The Sillaginidae family has significant commercial value in several countries, especially in Asia and Australia. Fish from this family are generally sold fresh or frozen and processed into various types of seafood, such as sushi, sashimi, or fish curry.

Sillago sihama, as one of the most popular fish species from the Sillaginidae family, has a high economic value in several East Asian countries, such as Japan and Korea. This fish is considered a delicious and nutritious food ingredient and is often processed into sushi or sashimi.

5. Importance of Conservation

Some species from the Sillaginidae family are categorized as endangered, mainly due to factors such as overfishing and habitat destruction. A number of countries have taken action to protect these species, such as through law enforcement or conservation regulations.

Conservation measures such as monitoring fishing and habitat management need to continue to be implemented to ensure the sustainability of the Sillaginidae family and its species in the future.

The Sillaginidae family is an important group of fish, especially in the culinary field. Although not as famous as other fish, this family has significant economic value in several countries, as well as an important role in the marine ecosystem. We need to pay attention to the sustainability of this family and other species, and take necessary conservation steps to maintain their existence in the future.