[4] In appearance, it is like the much larger Atlantic tarpon, M. atlanticus - olive-green on top, and silver on the sides.

In fresh water, no significant difference in their food habits is seen; they eat freshwater prawns and bony bream, mainly.

[7] Juveniles of the species stay inshore and migrate to coastal areas while maturing to spawn.

They inhabit coral reefs, mangroves, swamps, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, floodplains, and canals.

They are widely distributed from Australia, Japan, South and Southeast Asia and North Africa.

Data are deficient on their population, as their commercial landings and human disturbances are unknown, but they are known to be extremely common throughout their range.