The lobe of the 2nd dorsal fin is falcate, particularly in small adults. But it is generally shorter than the length of the head. Snout is bluntly rounded and the lips of large adults do not exhibit noticeable fleshy features. Adults typically display 5–6 dusky bands on their sides. In live specimens, the head and body generally appear silvery with a blue-green color above and a paler shade below. The caudal fin is yellow-green with a dark trailing edge, and the tips of the lobes are dark. The pelvic fins are hyaline whitish.