[4][5] It is endemic to northeastern Australia where it occurs from the Burnett River in Queensland to the Clyde River in New South Wales.

It is a subtropical species which is found in deep, slow flowing sections of rivers as well as in estuaries although it moves into coastal seas to spawn.

It feeds mainly on algae and plant material, as well as detritus and benthic invertebrates.

The specific name honours a Mr Petard who sent Castelnau specimens of fishes he collected in the Richmond River in New South Wales; these included the type of this species.

[6] It is a dark greenish-brown mullet with a silvery belly and pale yellowish fins.