[3] This species is brown to olive in colour on its upperparts, silvery on the flanks and white on the belly and breast.

[4] In older fish the tail blotches may become fused to form a vertical bar.

[1] In Australia it is found in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Cape York south to the Tallebudgera Creek in southern Queensland.

[3] Kuhlia rupestris is found in fast flowing freshwater streams and rivers normally within rainforest but it also occurs in estuaries and inshore coastal waters up to an altitude of 240 metres (790 ft).

[3] Kuhlia rupestris is a highly sought species by anglers, especially as it is regarded as a quick learner and learns to avoid lures.