Found in coastal pelagic waters and often observed as entering mangroves and adjacent brackish waters. Belly with 24 to 32 keeled scutes from isthmus to anus. Tip of snout on a level with eye centre. Maxilla long, reaching to or almost to base of first pectoral fin ray; first supra-maxilla oval, minute. Lower gill rakers with serrae on the inner edge even and not clumped. A dark blotch behind upper part of gill opening.