The bludger inhabits the tropical and subtropical regions of the Indo-west Pacific Ocean, distributed from South Africa in the west to Japan and New Caledonia in the east.

It is a large fish, growing to a maximum recorded length of 90 cm, and is very similar to the yellowspotted trevally, Carangoides fulvoguttatus, but can be separated by the complete absence of breast scales and a number of other anatomical features.

The species inhabits moderately deep offshore coral and rocky reefs, where it preys on small crustaceans and fish.

[2] The species was first scientifically described by the famed French naturalist Georges Cuvier in 1833 based on the holotype specimen taken in the Seychelles.

[citation needed] The bludger is a large fish, growing to at least 90 cm in length and reaching a recorded maximum weight of 14.5 kg.

In adults, the mouth cleft is level with the eye, with both jaws containing bands of villiform teeth which become wider anteriorly.

[12] Reproduction and growth in the species is poorly studied, with preliminary observations in South Africa indicating the fish may move from this region to more tropical waters of Mozambique to spawn.

[5] The bludger is of minor importance to fisheries throughout its range, taken by hook and line as well as gill nets and various types of fish trap.

In South Africa it is considered a good catch by boat anglers and spearfishermen and is generally regarded as high quality table fare.

[5] In Australia it is still considered a good gamefish, but of a lower caliber than related species such as giant and bluefin trevally, and is regarded as a poor table fish.