Marine; pelagic-neritic; oceanodromous ; depth range 20 - 90 m . Tropical; 17°C - ? ; 38°N - 36°S, 20°E - 180°E

Maturity: Lm 21.0, range 17 - 24.5 cm Max length : 36.0 cm male/unsexed; ; 42.1 cm TL (female); common length : 25.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; max. published weight: 0.00 g; max. reported age: 4 years

Dorsal spines (total): 8 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12. Head longer than body depth. Maxilla partly concealed, covered by lachrymal bone but extending to about hind margin of eye. Bristles on longest gill raker 105 on one side in specimens of 12.7 cm, 140 in 16 cm, and 160 in 19 cm fork length specimens. A black spot on body near lower margin of pectoral fin. Interpelvic process small and single. Swim bladder present. Anal spine rudimentary.
Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal;  Cross section: oval.