New sand whiting species Sillago persica described from Iran

Researchers from Tarbiat Modares University have identified a previously undescribed species of sand whiting from the northern Persian Gulf after fishery surveys and cooperation with local fishermen in 2021, the team reported in a study published Oct. 9 in the journal ZooKeys. The species, named Sillago persica, or the Persian Gulf sand whiting, was collected along the coast of Bushehr province and is so far known only from that region.

The discovery began when fishermen off Iran's southern coast brought ashore several unfamiliar fish that drew scientists' attention. Members of the research team obtained specimens directly from catches and through targeted fishery surveys, then conducted detailed examinations. The authors, Hashem Khandan Barani, Mohammad Sadegh AlaviYeganeh and Mehdi Ghanbarifardi, used morphological analysis and DNA sequencing to determine that the specimens represent a distinct species within the family Sillaginidae.

Sillago persica reaches roughly 7 inches in length and has an elongate body, a relatively large head, a long snout and a small mouth lined with very small teeth. Photographs accompanying the study show a bright brown and slightly silver...