Diagnosis: Body slender, its depth about 20-24% of standard length; scutes strongly keeled, beginning under pectoral fin base, with 10-15 pre-pelvic and 8-11 post-pelvic scutes; snout rather blunt or acute; lower jaw not or slightly projecting, included in upper when mouth closed, with small teeth limited to anterior part; pre-maxillae with a single row of 24-42 small conical teeth directed inwards; maxilla slender, its blade more than 3 times as long as deep, upper edge quite strongly ridged; posterior supra-maxilla slender, spatulate, with distinct anterior shaft, shaft longer than blade; lower gillrakers 17-24 (Ref. 188, 47399). Also characterized by 26-35 scales in a longitudinal series and anal fin with 18-22 rays (Ref. 47399). It differs from Microthrissa moeruensis in having a distinctly blunter snout and less scales in longitudinal series (Ref. 188, 47399).

Description: Jaws equal anteriorly; maxillary extending to vertical from anterior edge of eye; pre-maxillary with 24-42 conical teeth; maxillary teeth quite distinct, 13-36; lower jaw with small teeth limited to anterior part (Ref. 188, 2263, 47399). Lower gillrakers on anterior arch 17-24 (Ref. 188, 47399, 93833). Dorsal fin base slightly behind origin of pelvic fins; pectoral fins not reaching pelvic fins; dorsal fin with 13-15 rays; anal fin with 18-22 rays; pectoral fin with 11-13 rays; pelvic fin with 8 rays (Ref. 47399). Cycloid scales; 26-35 scales in longitudinal series; 8 scales in transverse series (Ref. 2263, 47399). Scutes strongly keeled, beginning under pectoral fin base, with 10-15 pre-pelvic and 8-11 post-pelvic scutes; first 1-4 scutes without lateral arms (Ref. 188, 28136, 47399). Number of vertebrae 42-45; with 21-24 abdominal vertebrae and 19-22 caudal vertebrae (Ref. 47399).

Colouration: General colouration of preserved specimens yellow greyish colour with crystalline contour, ventral region and middle of flanks lighter coloured; tip of snout and occiput are pigmented with melanophores, as well as middle of the flanks (Ref. 47399). Lateral band narrow, present only on posterior half of fish (Ref. 2263).