The preorbital bone is relatively broad, wider than the eye diameter, and the jaw teeth are conical with notably enlarged upper canines. The preopercular notch and knob are poorly developed. Vomerine teeth are arranged in a V-shaped patch without a medial posterior extension, and the tongue has a patch of granular teeth. There are 16–20 gill rakers on the 1st gill arch. The coloration includes a greenish-brown to reddish back and sides, while the belly is silvery or whitish. Specimens from deep water often display an overall reddish hue, and juveniles typically have about eight whitish bars crossing their sides and one or two blue lines across the cheek.