Diagnosis: body elongate (depth comprised 3.2-3.5 times in fork length) and moderately compressed; snout slightly rounded (Ref. 57392). Maxilla ends below middle of eye (Ref. 26938, 57391). 2 dorsal fins, 1st with 8 spines, 2nd with 1 spine and 22-25 soft rays; anal fin with 2 spines, followed by 1 spine and 19-21 soft rays (Ref. 57391, 81654). Anterior lobe of soft dorsal and anal fins moderately developed, their height smaller than head length; pectoral fins falcate, longer than head; scales small and cycloid (Ref. 57391). Chest fully scaled (erroneously reported as chest naked in other sources)(Ref. 81654). 45 (Ref. 26938, 81654) - 56 (Ref. 57392, 81654) scutes along posterior/straight part of lateral line.

Coloration: back light olivaceous to bluish-green, sides silvery-grey to golden; juveniles with about 7 dark crossbars on sides (Ref. 57392).