Mouth is terminal and oblique, containing both small and large teeth in the upper and lower jaws. The inner row of teeth on the lower jaw is faintly distinct and closely spaced. There are three pairs of mental pores, with the first pair being small, located at the front of the chin and separated by the symphysis. The caudal fin is rhomboidal, and there are typically 11–15 (usually 13–14) lower gill rakers. In terms of coloration, the overall appearance is silvery with a slightly darker shade on the back due to dark-margined scale pockets. Both upper and lower lips are edged with brown and the lining of the mouth, gill chamber, and peritoneum is dark brown.