Diagnosis: body moderately long (its depth 2.6-3.5 times in fork length) (Ref. 57392, 81654) and compressed (Ref. 57392). Upper jaw very narrow at posterior end and extending only to below anterior third of eye; 22-32 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch (Ref. 57392). Tongue with small band of teeth (Ref. 81654). 2 dorsal fins, 1st with 6 spines, 2nd with 1 spine and 23-27 soft rays; anal fin with 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 22-25 soft rays (Ref. 57392, 81654). Lobes of soft dorsal and anal fins small (Ref. 57392), dorsal fin lobe 3.9-5.6 times in fork length (Ref. 81654). Length of second dorsal fin base equal to length of anal fin base (Ref. 35388). 2nd dorsal-fin lobe and pectoral fins shorter than head; scales small, cycloid, partially embedded in skin; lateral line very slightly arched over pectoral fins, straight thereafter, and without scutes (Ref. 57392). 3-5 black spots along anterior half of lateral line(Ref. 35388, 57392, 81654).

Coloration: back greenish-grey, sides silvery with 3-5 vertically elongate black spots on anterior half of lateral line; dorsal-, anal- and caudal-fin lobes black-tipped (Ref. 57392).