This species could be confused with the sand steenbras (Lithognathus mormyrus), but that has a shallower body, more rays in its dorsal and anal fins, and ten to fourteen dark bars.

It occurs in two separate populations; one in the northern and central part of Namibia and one around Meob Bay in the south.

It lives close inshore in the surf zone, usually at depths of less than 10 m (33 ft) over sandy seabeds.

[1] The west coast seabream feeds on invertebrates on the seabed such as crabs, polychaete worms and bivalve molluscs.

The total population is declining and because of its slow growth rate and longevity, this fish is susceptible to over-fishing.