The upper sides of the head and body have a slight darkish silver tinge, lighting in the lower flanks.

[2] Eleutheronema tetradactylum has an Indo-Pacific distribution and ranges from the Persian Gulf to Australia and Papua New Guinea.

[2] Eleutheronema tetradactylum adults show a preference for shallow muddy substrates in coastal waters and they may enter rivers.

The larval stage is little known but it is known that lower estuaries, tidal swamps and lagoons, and the shallows along the foreshores are used as nursery areas.

[4] Eleutheronema tetradactylum has not had its global conservation status evaluated by the IUCN but it has been classified as Endangered in the Persian Gulf where the population appears to be in a rapid decline.

[4] Eleutheronema tetradactylum is a widespread and commercially important species and, as such, has a number of English common names, other than the fourfinger threadfin.