It is a metallic grey in overall colour, with a bluish tint, darker upperparts, and lighter underparts.

Even when it was realised as a separate species, publication of a formal description was delayed since the type specimen of the barramundi was alleged to originate in Japan, and because of confusion caused by the deformities of the barramundi's type specimen.

[2][5] The Japanese lates has long been known to fishermen, but because of its relative rarity and shyness, it achieved "almost legendary" status.

[6] For some time, scientists were uncertain which fish was the "akame" of legend, and some suspected Psammoperca waigiensis.

In February 2010, the first video of the akame living in its natural surroundings was broadcast on the BBC, in a report on the University of Tokyo's research project where Japanese lates were fitted with ultrasound tracking devices.