Identification
A sturdy, oval fish of 15 to 25 cm with a silvery body and three to four prominent dark horizontal stripes on the flanks. The dorsal fin has a sharp spinous section. Small mouth with fine teeth.
Ecology
A tropical species from the Indo-Pacific region. Lives in coastal waters, estuaries, and river mouths. Tolerates brackish water. Feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and insects.
In the Netherlands
An extremely rare vagrant. Occasional finds attributed to ballast water introduction. Cannot survive northern European winters.
