Found in tropical and subtropical waters of Southeast Asia, it inhabits coastal areas, estuaries, and river mouths, displaying an anadromous life cycle where it migrates upriver to spawn in freshwater.

The fish is characterized by its streamlined, silvery body and an elongated tail and can reach a maximum length of 52 centimeters.

Feeding primarily on plankton, it plays an essential role in the aquatic food web.

However, overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution threaten its populations, highlighting the need for sustainable management and conservation efforts.

[3] Tenualosa macrura is found in tropical and subtropical waters of Southeast Asia in the eastern Indian Ocean between 7° N and 9° S and between 101° E and 119° E. It is found at depths of up to 50 metres in the waters off Malaysia, Indonesia and the southern tip of Thailand.