Leiopotherapon unicolor has a slender, oval shaped body which is somewhat compressed, although the juveniles are more rotund.

It also inhabits lakes, dams, rivers, billabongs, bore drains, wells and waterholes.

[1] In the interior of Australia this species may be found in any temporary waterbody, even wheel ruts flooded after rains.

[2] This species is purported to appear in odd places following so called "rain of fish", as they are often observed scattered on the ground in the aftermath of heavy downpours.

[5] This hardy species can survive dry periods by aestivation in the least amount of moisture in the bottom of a temporary waterbody.