in taxon sillago-whiting family king george whiting South Australian whiting spotted sillago The King George whiting, *Sillaginodes punctatus* (also known as the spotted whiting or spotted sillago), is a coastal marine fish of the smelt-whitings family *Sillaginidae*. The King George whiting is endemic to Australia, inhabiting the south coast of the country from Jurien Bay, Western Australia to Botany Bay, New South Wales in the east. The King George whiting is the only member of the genus *Sillaginodes* and the largest member of the smelt-whiting family *Sillaginidae*, growing to a length of 72 cm and 4.8 kg in weight. The species is readily distinguishable from other Australian whitings by its unique pattern of spots, as well as its highly elongate shape. King George whiting are often found in bays and protected waterways over sand and seagrass beds, also venturing out onto deep continental shelf reefs during adulthood. The species is a benthic carnivore, consuming a variety of crustaceans, polychaete worms, molluscs and fish. The King George whiting forms the basis of one of southern Australia's most important commercial fisheries, reportedly worth over five million Australian dollars per year. The species is also heavily targeted by recreational anglers, who value the whiting for its sporting and eating qualities. australian whiting itis:551124 sillaginodes punctatus south australian whiting spotted sillago spotted whiting Australian whiting spotted whiting spotted whiting Sillaginodes punctatus requires discussion