Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 50 - 200 m . Subtropical; 32°N - 30°S, 30°E - 169°E

Maturity: Lm 14.0  range ? - ? cm Max length : 30.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; common length : 20.0 cm TL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 3 - 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 40 - 45; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 30 - 33. This species is distinguished by its very deep body, almost triangular, extremely compressed; sharp-edged breast; greatest body depth below lateral line at least 4 times greater than greatest body depth above lateral line; anal fin very long-based, commencing at point of insertion of pelvic fins, uniformly very low; dorsal spines (X in juveniles) reducing in number with increasing age. Colour of body with upper sides deep metallic blue, the rest silvery, a row of round to ovoid, dark slaty-blue spots above and below lateral line, sometimes a few additional spots above and below these rows; pelvic fins with a trace of blue, other fins hyaline or slightly dusky . Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep;  Cross section: compressed.