Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to southern Japan, New Guinea and Arafura Sea. Reported from Vanuatu. Migrated to the Mediterranean from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal.

Generally silver in color, with 4-6 dark horizontal lines; a black blotch behind head and below dorsal origin and another in front of dorsal fin may be present; caudal fin pale or slightly dusky.

A coastal species often found in brackish waters; common in estuaries. Croaks when taken from the water. Usually forming schools. Juveniles in seagrass beds and in mangrove bays.