[3] The yellowtail trumpeter is one of three species in the genus Amniataba, which is one of fifteen genera in the grunter family, Terapontidae.

The spinous dorsal fin has irregular spotting and a faint duskiness distally, but does not exhibit a distinct patch of dark pigmentation.

[8] Evidence suggests that the yellowtail trumpeter naturally hybridises with another species of freshwater terapontid, Leiopotherapon unicolor, on occasion.

The population of the Swan River in Western Australia spawns in the upper reaches of the estuary between November and January, producing an average of 310,000 eggs in a season.

The spawning period is associated with a lull in the freshwater influx of the river, resulting in fairly stable salinity and temperature regimes.

[10] The mature, unfertilised eggs of the yellowtail trumpeter are small and spherical, having an average diameter of 560 μm.

The larva is pelagic and characterized by an elongate body, which becomes deeper and more laterally compressed during development.

[8] The yellowtail trumpeter is of minor commercial importance throughout its range, caught with handlines, seines, and other inshore fishing gear.