Marine, pelagic, and inshore; also in estuaries. Feeds on diatoms,
radiolarians, molluscs, copepods, and crustaceans (in that order of importance, at least in the Godavari
estuary, India). Breeds from November to February, mainly in the latter part (Godavari estuary). Local
contributions to fisheries, e.g. November to June in Godavari estuary, but no special fishery. Caught with
purse seines, lift nets, and set nets. Marketed fresh, dried, dried-salted, boiled, or made into fish meal.
From 1990 to 1995, FAO’s Yearbook of Fishery Statistics reports a range of yearly production of around
700 to 4 200 t of this species from the Western Central Pacific (Malaysia, Philippines).