Marine; brackish; pelagic-neritic; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 85 m , usually 5 - 10 m . Subtropical; 21°C - 30°C ; 50°N - 40°S, 180°W - 180°E

Maturity: Lm 55.8, range 35 - 93.1 cm Max length : 210 cm TL male/unsexed; ; common length : 100.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; max. published weight: 40.0 kg ; max. reported age: 4 years

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 58 - 66; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 25 - 31; Vertebrae: 31. This species is distinguished by having the following characters: mature males with prominent bony crest in front of the head; greatest body depth in adults less than 25% of standard length; tooth patch on tongue small and oval; single dorsal fin extending from above eye almost to caudal fin with 58-66 rays; a concave anal fin extending from anus almost to caudal fin; pectoral fin more than half of head length; lateral-line scales at least 200 . Colour of body metallic blue-green on the back (fading to grey with green tinge when dead), sides silver with golden sheen, and 1 row of dark spots or golden blotches running below dorsal fin and 1, 2, or more rows on and below lateral line, some scattered irregularly; dorsal and anal fins
black, the latter with a white edge; pectoral fins pale; caudal fin silvery with a golden sheen; in juveniles, only tips of caudal-fin lobes white, pelvic fins black . Body shape (shape guide): elongated;  Cross section: compressed.