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. Minor fisheries exist around various species of Sillago, making them of minor importance in most of their range.