on silty or muddy substrates in shallow, open bays and estuaries along the coast. Juveniles usually migrate into the upper reaches of estuaries for protection against predation by larger species. Biology Gut content analysis has found the Gangetic whiting consumes numerous small fish, benthic and planktonic crustaceans and algae, with its small mouth size restricting the size of food portions. The Gangetic whiting is the only known species of fish to host the intestinal parasite Dichelyne alatae, found in specimens in West Bengal, with a number of other parasites identified from it. Otolith and size-age composition studies by Krishnayya (1963) of the commercial catches from the Hooghly River estuary and found that S. panijus probably spawns twice a year during the periods of November to February and August to September. The juveniles migrate toward the upper reaches during March and April and during December where they remain for two to three months. Sexual maturity is attained at a length of about 120 mm. Relationship to humans A local fishery exists along the coast of the Bay of Bengal primarily near or on the river deltas, with commercially important fish captured by nets and longlines in the Hooghly and Ganges delta. The Gangetic whiting is sold fresh in local markets, rarely making its way to overseas markets. Juvenile Sillaginopsis panijus are also occasionally traded as brackish water aquarium fish. References Sillaginidae Fish of South Asia Fish described in 1822