Indo-West Pacific: Persian Gulf to coasts of India and Andaman Sea, to Gulf of Thailand, Indonesia, Viet Nam, and Philippines, south to northern Australia, the Caroline Islands and New Caledonia.

Body depth increasing with size of fish, 40 to 70 % standard length in fishes over 10 cm. Second supra-maxilla a mere splint. Longest gill rakers on lower part of arch less than corresponding gill filaments. Hind edges of scales toothed, the teeth thinner than the gaps between them; a median series of pre-dorsal scales. A large black spot behind gill opening.

Usually marine coastal, but ascends rivers to the upper tidal zone. Occurs inshore and also in estuaries. Feeds on diatoms, radiolarians, mollusks, copepods, and crustaceans (in that order of importance, at least in the Godavari estuary). Breeds from November to February, mainly in the later part (Godavari estuary). Marketed fresh, frozen, dried, dried-salted or boiled. Made into fish balls.