It is known by various names, such as Pelaling in Malaysia, Kembung lelaki in Indonesia, Bangdo (बांगडो) in Konkani language, Bangdi (બાંગડી) in Gujarati, Bangda (बांगडा) in Marathi, Kajol Gouri (কাজল গৌরী) in Bengali, Ayla (അയല, ഐല) in Malayalam, Kankarta (କାନକରତା) in Odia, Kaanankeluthi (காணாங்கெலுத்தி) in Tamil, Kumbalawaa (කුම්බලාව) in Sinhala and Bangude (ಬಂಗುಡೆ) in Tulu, and Kannada.

The maxilla are partly concealed, covered by the lacrimal bone, but extend till around the hind margin of the eye.

[5] These fish have thin dark longitudinal bands on the upper part of the body, which may be golden on fresh specimens.

[3] Adult Indian mackerel feed on macroplankton including the larvae of shrimp and fish.

As they mature, their intestines shorten, and their diet changes to primarily include macroplankton such as the larvae of shrimp and fish.