Which family does the Tasmanian School Whiting (Sillago flindersi) belong to?

Sillaginidae

The Tasmanian School Whiting, scientifically named *Sillago flindersi*, represents one of the species that carries the common name 'whiting' but belongs to an entirely separate biological lineage from the true *Merlangius* species. Unlike the European Whiting, which is a member of the Gadidae family, the Tasmanian School Whiting is classified within the Sillaginidae family. Although it shares an elongated body shape and potentially similar coloration tones (silvery or bronze), its distinct family grouping dictates fundamental structural differences in morphology that place it outside the cod relatives. Understanding this taxonomic separation is critical because the common name usage often masks these underlying biological differences.