Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan, south to southern Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia.

Olive-brown dorsally, flanks silvery, abdomen white or suffused pale yellow. About 6 longitudinal stripes on flanks formed by longitudinal marks on scales; scales also with darkened margins giving slight chequered appearance to flanks.

Inhabit lagoons, reef flats, estuaries, and coastal creeks, in shallow coastal areas and protected sandy shores. Usually within tidal influence, but may enter fresh water, ascending 10 km into rivers. Form large schools, frequently in mangrove areas