Indo-West Pacific: Persian Gulf eastward through Bay of Bengal to eastern Australia, northward to southern Japan and China.

Spiny dorsal-fin membrane very dark between first and third spines, and usually equally dark between third and fifth spines. Outline of head from base of first dorsal-fin spine to above eye an even slightly convex curve or almost a straight line.

Inhabits sandy or muddy flat in coastal and estuarine waters. Feeds on benthic invertebrates. Sold fresh in markets. Used in Chinese medicine.