MALAYAN FISHES, 33 
The “ Snappers ” include our Ikan merah which is known as 
Jénéhak in Penang (Lutianus spp.). There are perhaps more 
than 20 species in local waters of which the list in this book gives 
13 only. 
Two or three Snappers are of a brownish colour, but the 
colouring of the rest of this brilliant family ranges between crimson, 
scarlet and golden, while some have violet, purple and blue bands. 
They are all good edible fish and no swagger dinner in Singa- 
pore is supposed to be complete unless Ikan merah appears on 
the menu. Their popularity makes them expensive, 
“ WHITINGS.” 
(SILLAGINIDAE.) 
The Bulus-bulus (Sillago spp.) is one of our common market 
fish and can be obtained all the year round, though never in large 
quantities, 
The Sillago sihama is known in Madras as “ Whiting” and 
Sillago maculata is called the Trumpeter Whiting in Queensland 
and New South Wales where it is greatly valued for its excellence 
as a food fish 
They frequent shallow water and sandy bottoms where they 
feed on small crustaceans, worms, sand hoppers, etc. There is 
probably no cleaner feeding fish than the Whiting, a fact which 
perhaps accounts in some measure for its delicate flavour and 
wholesomeness. 
Both our varieties, whether adult or young, are very shy and 
instantly bury themselves in the sand on the appearance of any 
danger. Even a passing dark cloud leads to their immediate dis- 
appearance into the sand whence they emerge a few moments later. 
Roughley writing of another species, which has the same habit 
Says: 
“Tn the capture of this fish the hauling net is principally 
used. It displays considerable resource in evading the net, 
giving at times much trouble to the fisherman. As it is hauled 
near the shore, many fish, perceiving that they have been 
trapped, quickly burrow into the sand. Were not the fisher- 
man alert to this cunning method of evasion, a large number 
of fish would be lost, but when it is known that the haul con- 
sists, in the main, of Whiting, they carefully tramp over the 
sand enclosed by the net and upon feeling any movement 
beneath their feet, quickly grab the concealed fish.” 
Whiting fishing is perhaps the nearest thing to trout fishing 
that the sea-angler can obtain. A light rod, fine tackle and small 
hooks are required and the sand flats should be fished on the flood 
tide. The bait should be cast as far as possible. The fish will be 
taken in water only ankle deep and the best bait are prawns, small 
bivalves, Remis, Képah, etc., which are found on sandy beaches, 
and beach worms, Pumpun sarong and Pumpun darat. 
