D. VIII, I+19-20; A. II, I+16-19; P. i+18-20; G.R. 6+17-18; CLS. 86-93; SLS. 5-14 scales, 26-27 scutes; vertebrate 10+14. Dorsal profile of snout gently sloped, then abruptly vertical just above mouth cleft. Naked area of breast ventrally to behind orgin of pelvic fin; laterally, naked area of breast extends diagonally to naked base of pectoral fin. Generally silvery with head and body greenish above and silvery with yellow-green reflections below; opercle with a small black spot on upper margin; dorsal and anal fins ranging in colour from whitish to pale yellow to dusky; interradial membranes of soft anal-fin rays often with a white spot basally; caudal and pectoral fins pale to dusky yellow; large adults sometimes very dark, head and fins blackish; these fish perhaps exhibiting nuptial or spawning coloration.
habitats
Inhabitats coastal waters in depths to 90 m, but most abundant at 30 to 60 m. Juveniles occur in inshore areas, including estuaries. Usually in small groups. Feeds on small demersal fishes and epibenthic crustaceans.
Distribution
Widely distributed in tropical and subtropical coastal waters of Indo-West Pacific. It is common in eastern and sorthern Taiwan, but rare in western Taiwan.