[4] A separate study by V. P. Buonaccorsi, J. R. Mcdowell, and Graves indicated that both Indo-Pacific and Atlantic show "striking phylogeographic partitioning" of mitochondrial and microsatellite loci.

This species can be found throughout the tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

The pectoral fins, which have 21 to 23 rays, are falcate and flexible, and can be drawn in to the sides of the body.

The upper jaw forms a robust but not very long beak, round in cross section.

The body color is blue-black dorsally and silvery white ventrally, sometimes with light blue vertical stripes.