The Asian whiting's appearance is very similar to other closely related species in the genus Sillago, with swim bladder morphology and ray counts of fins the most reliable identifying features.

[3] The species was described and named Sillago asiatica by McKay in 1983 based on the holotype specimen taken from Chantaburi in the Gulf of Thailand in 1975, with paratypes from Taiwan also examined.

A review of the holotype by McKay led to the correct identification, with the author noting that the swim bladder morphology and vertebrae count were beyond any variation in S. japonica.

[2] The profile of the Asian whiting is typical of all members of the genus Sillago, possessing an elongate, slightly compressed body covered in ctenoid scales, tapering toward the terminal mouth.

[4] The head of the species is more dorsoventrally compressed that most other sillaginids, although more detailed analysis is needed to confirm the identity a specimen.

A number of smelt-whiting species are present throughout the range of the Asian whiting and are taken as food for local consumption.