The dorsal fin lobe is more extended than the pectoral fins.The upper jaw which is broad posteriorly, reaches below the posterior midpoint of the pupil. There are no scutes but caudal peduncle grooves are present. The coloration ranges from silvery blue-green to silvery olive on the dorsal side, transitioning to a silvery shade on the ventral side. Typically, there is a midlateral yellowish stripe on the body and an oblique, dark yellowish-brown band extends from the nape through the eye to the edge of the upper lip. The fins are yellowish-grey and juveniles may have a dark nuchal bar and six dark body bars.