This is a schooling, pelagic species of coastal waters where it is found within shallow bays, harbours, estuaries and near rocky reefs and offshore islands at depths of between 2 and 90 metres (6.6 and 295.3 ft).

Juveniles prefer rocky inshore areas, while adults are known to form dense schools in offshore waters.

The maximum fork length is 40.3 centimetres (15.9 in).

They live to around 10 years and juveniles growth quickly, attaining a fork length of 37 centimetres (15 in) by the time they are three years old.

[2] It is a species of minor interest to commercial fisheries but is taken by recreational anglers.