This species has 5 pectoral filaments, the first is the shortest and it extends to a point just short of or equal to the origin of the pelvic fin.

The second to fourth pectoral filaments do not extends as far as the tip of pelvic fin.

The head and upper flanks of the body are silver with a slight blackish tinge.

[2] Polydactylus plebeius occurs over muddy substrates on the continental shelf, in estuaries and off coastal beaches down to depths no greater than 122 metres (400 ft).

It is fished using trawls, gill nets, handlines and beach seines.