Indo-Pacific: probably throughout the warmer coastal waters, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Solomon Islands, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia. Recently reported from Tonga.

Scales numerous, small, usually lost. Silvery; back bright blue (fading to grey); flanks bright silver. The slightly shorter pectoral fin and the black marking of the upper part of the dorsal fin are the only satisfactory characters separating this species from C. nudus (Ref. 188). Fins spineless; with numerous dagger-like teeth.

Occurs inshore, including brackish waters. Voracious predators of small schooling fishes, e.g., herrings and anchovies. In Australia, it was reported in water temperatures of 26.0-29.0 °C. Feeds mainly on small fishes, but perhaps also crustaceans. Marketed fresh, frozen or dried and salted.