larger prey, predominantly larger bivalves with small quantities of penaeids and brachyuran crabs, which corresponds to a dentitional change to molariform crushing plates. Studies by Brewer et al. (1992) have shown that the Golden lined whiting is an opportunistic nocturnal hunter, taking the most vulnerable, easily accessible prey. This may because they are relatively abundant, poorly shelled or unable to escape quickly. The most commonly caught prey at night were crustaceans, while buried annelids were ignored and molluscs were left alone except for taking the unprotected siphon tips of a species of bivalve; Glauconome virens. A study on the diet of young S. analis from a mangrove tidal flat in Deception Bay in Queensland has shown that the siphon tips of this mollusc comprise the majority of most fish's diet, with very few other molluscs taken whole. Adult fish greater than 200 mm had no siphons in their diet however, electing to take larger molluscs, annelids or crustaceans. Reproduction S. analis spawns between the months of January and March. The females of the species are larger than the males when they reach maturity, attaining a length of 216 mm compared to males 184 mm. Twenty percent of the females and 60% of the males of S. analis reach maturity by the end of their second year of life, with all individuals mature by the end of the third. Juveniles of the species inhabit shallow shores including lower sections of creeks and rivers, favouring muddy-sand substrates also with less than 1 m depth. The species has been known to reach a maximum of 45 cm long. Relationship to humans The golden lined whiting is a major commercial species in some parts of its range, particularly in Shark Bay and to a lesser extent in Queensland. It is often taken alongside other species of whiting which also constitute major parts of the local fishery. The amount of fish taken by professionals fluctuates, with an example monthly 1998/1999 catch weighing 5,399 kg, a massive amount less than the 196,293 kg of western sand whiting taken in the same period. Being that the juveniles enter mangrove creeks, the species may be a future candidate for estuarine aquaculture, which has seen other species of sillaginid cultured in Asia. The species is a common target for recreational fishermen, with large catches possible. Golden lined whiting respond to bait which resembles their normal prey and are taken