Northern whiting (Sillago suezensis)

Sillago suezensis, the Northern Whiting, is more than just a coastal fish to me—it’s a living piece of my childhood. Growing up by the sea, this was the fish I saw more than any other. I’d watch it glide in the shallow water, fast and delicate, flashing like silver sand when the sun hit just right. Over the years, it became the fish I loved most in the world. My earliest memories of the beach are tied to it—chasing small schools near the shore, seeing them scatter in perfect harmony, and feeling like I had a quiet connection with this little creature. Even today, whenever I see a Sillago suezensis, it brings back those moments from my childhood and reminds me why this species will always have a special place in my heart.