Mental pores in 2 pairs, both small, the first pair at front of chin, separated by symphysis. Gill rakers slender, as long as gill filaments at angle of arch, 9-12 on lower limb. Dorsal fin with 22-24 soft rays. Second anal spine short, slender, 22-36 % of head length. Caudal fin truncate. Scales cycloid (smooth) on head and flanks. Swim bladder carrot-shaped, with 17-22 pairs of fan-like appendages along its sides, the first not entering head. Sagitta (large earstone) with a tadpole-shaped impression, the tail of which is hockey-stick-shaped. Nape with a diffused dusky blotch.