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

Body brownish bronze dorsally; silvery white ventrally. usually 6-9 scales on cheek; usually 29-34 predorsal scales; median fins without scales. Upper peduncular scale rows usually 11-14; lower peduncular scale rows 15-18. Dorsal fin deeply notched with the last few spines almost separate. 2 Post maxillary processes; posterior end of maxilla tapered.

Primarily a near-shore pelagic species, but swims mainly in open water away from reefs. Mixed with other planktivores and is easily overlooked.