Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to the Philippines, north to southern Japan, south to Western Australia.

Deep bodied compared to similar species. Body color bluish green above, silvery below; caudal fin bright red. Sometimes a yellow mid-lateral stripe. Opercle with a small black spot; margin of opercular membrane smooth. 31-38 scutes.

Found in deep waters. Feeds on small planktonic invertebrates. Occasionally seen in small groups along reef slopes at moderate depths. Mainly known from trawls and shows red tail after capture.