The African forktail snapper has a moderately elongated fusiform body with a mouth which reaches level with the anterior part of the eye.

It has been reported from estuaries in Nigeria and gatherings in relatively shallow waters, less than 40 m (130 ft), off Ghana may be associated with seasonal upwellings.

[1] The African forktail snapper was first formally described in 1830 by the French zoologist Achille Valenciennes with the type locality given as Porto Praya in the Cape Verde Islands.

[5] The specific name fuscus means "dark", “dusky” or “swarthy” and refers to the brown colouration of this fish.

[6] The African forktail is regarded as being of potential interest to fisheries as it has good quality flesh.