Marine; brackish; reef-associated; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 1200 m . Subtropical; 17°C - 32°C ; 47°N - 37°S, 98°W - 166°E

Maturity: Lm ?, range 43 - ? cm Max length : 200 cm TL male/unsexed; ; common length : 110 cm TL male/unsexed; ; max. published weight: 68.0 kg ; max. reported age: 15 years

Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26 - 33; Anal spines: 2 - 3; Anal soft rays: 22 - 28. This species is distinguished by the following characters: head broad and depressed; first dorsal fin usually with VIII short but strong isolated spines, not connected by a membrane; caudal fin lunate to emarginate in adults, upper lobe longer than lower, rounded in young with prolonged central rays. Colour of back and sides dark brown, with 2 sharply defined narrow silvery bands, belly yellowish ( Ref. 10948, 90102). Body shape (shape guide): elongated;  Cross section: oval.