It is the only species in its genus, which was named for John Dow Fisher Gilchrist (1866–1926).

[1] The average length of the G. aestuaria as an unsexed male is about ten centimeters.

This species is primarily found in estuaries, lagoons, lakes, and rivers.

[4] It is considered an extremely important fish in estuaries of South Africa .

[5] This fish does not survive in an aquarium, presumably dying from capture myopathy or stress.