Sillago is one of five genera in the family Sillaginidae containing the smelt-whitings, and contains 31 species, making Sillago the only non-monotypic genus in the family. Distinguishing among Sillago species can be difficult, with many similar in appearance and colour, forcing the use of swim bladder morphology as a definitive feature. All whiting species are benthic in nature and generally coastal fish, living in shallow, protected waters, although there are exceptions.