Distinguished by 2 large teeth on the supraoral bar, a large middle tooth on the tongue, 3 points (rarely 2) on each central lateral tooth plate, and the absence of posterial teeth (Ref. 27547). Anterior dorsal fin being lower than posterior, the fins separate in nonbreeding individuals but coming into contact at spawning; caudal fin lobes about equal, lower lobe joined to anal fin; anal fin virtually absent in males (Ref. 27547). Dark brown or brownish gray on sides and back; belly yellowish, silvery around head, gill openings and lower sides; caudal fin has a band of dark pigment inside its margins, symmetrical on each lobe (Ref. 27547). Other diagnostic features: Adults: 11.4-31.1 cm TL. Body wet weight in individuals 17.5-23.0 cm TL, 20-24 g. Body proportions, as percentage of TL (based on 68 specimens measuring 11.7-31.1 cm TL): prebranchial length, 10.9-14.1; branchial length, 7.8-11.8; trunk length, 45.9-55.9; tail length, 24.4-29.5; eye length, 2.3-4.3; disc length, 4.7-7.2. The urogenital papilla length, as a percentage of branchial length, in two spawning males measuring 17.4-18.7 cm TL, 10.3-12.5. Trunk myomeres, 60-71. Dentition: supraoral lamina, 2 unicuspid teeth; infraoral lamina, 7-10 teeth, the lateralmost often bicuspid, the others unicuspid; 3 endolaterals on each side; endolateral formula, typically 2-3-2, very rarely 2-2-2; 3 rows of anterials; first row of anterials, 4 unicuspid teeth; exolaterals absent; posterials absent; transverse lingual lamina, 12-17 unicuspid teeth, the median one greatly enlarged; longitudinal lingual laminae each with 9-12 unicuspid teeth. Velar tentacles, 3-5, with tubercles. Body coloration in marine waters (live), lead gray on dorsal and upper lateral aspects, silvery on the lateral aspect, and white on the ventral aspect. Body coloration (preserved), dorsal and lateral aspects brownish gray and ventral aspect whitish. Lateral line neuromasts unpigmented. Extent of caudal fin pigmentation, 25% to more than 75%. Caudal fin shape, spade-like or rounded. Oral fimbriae, 88-117. Oral papillae, 12-18 (Ref. 89241).