Description
As with most of the genus Sillago, the oriental trumpeter whiting has a slightly compressed, elongate body tapering toward the terminal mouth, reaching a maximum overall length of 30 cm. The body is covered in small ctenoid scales extending to the cheek and head. The first dorsal fin has 11 spines and the second dorsal fin has 1 leading spine with 18 to 20 soft rays posterior. The anal fin is similar to the second dorsal fin, but has 2 spines with 17 to 19 (usually 18) soft rays posterior to the spines. Other distinguishing features include 67 to 72 lateral line scales and a total of 34 vertebrae.
Swim bladder morphology is the most effective way to distinguish it between related species S. maculata and S. burrus. The swim bladder has three anterolateral extensions; not four and it differs from S. maculata in lacking well developed anterolateral extensions reaching to the level of the vent.
The colour of the oriental trumpeter whiting is similar to both S. burrus and S. maculata, having blotches that are like oblique bars, but the most posterior mid-lateral dark brown blotch is elongate and reaches caudal flexure. The blotches are not connected as in S. maculata. The belly is silvery to grey coloured.
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