Indo-Pacific: East Africa, not including the Red Sea or the Arabian (Persian) Gulf, to the Marquesan Islands.

Upper body blue to greenish, lower whitish. 4-6 cheek scales; 24-32 predorsal rays; scaled dorsal and anal fins. Upper peduncular scale rows usually 12 or 13 (12-14); lower peduncular scale rows usually 16 or 17 (15-17). Post maxillary processes 2; posterior end of maxilla tapered. The process on ventrolateral surface of basioccipital for attachment of Baudelot's ligament not extending beyond a horizontal with condyle's rim.

Ranges widely around coral reefs and appears to prefer clear waters of oceanic islands or reefs far from large land masses. Feeds on zooplankton in midwater aggregations. Oviparous, with numerous, small pelagic eggs. Also caught by drive-in nets. Used as tuna baitfish.