Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and east coast of Africa to the Hawaiian and Marquesan islands, north to southern Japan and the Ogasawara Islands, south to northern Australia. Hybrid with Caranx melampygus found in Hawaii.

Head and body dusky golden dorsally, silver ventrally; fins usually pigmented grey to black. Opercular spot absent. 26-38 strong scutes. Breast without scales ventrally; a small patch of prepelvic scales. Pectoral fins falcate; anal fin with 2 detached spines.

Pelagic over sand and rock. Adults occur singly and inhabit clear lagoon and seaward reefs. Juveniles found in estuaries. Feed on crustaceans (like crabs and spiny lobsters) and fishes at night.