Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to southern Japan and Australia.

Deep-bodied and strongly compressed fishes. Lateral line ends in weakly-developed scutes on the caudal peduncle. Pelvic fins lost in individuals over 9 cm. Color is brown above, silvery-white below. The anterior parts of the dorsal and anal fins bluish-gray. The other fins yellowish.

Inhabits coastal areas with muddy substrate. Found near the bottom during daytime and near the surface at night.