The fish has a deep body, with a depth of 1.9–2.3 times the standard length. The tip of the pectoral fin reaches to or past the level of the 1st anal fin spine. There are typically fewer than 38 lateral line scales to the base of the caudal fin, and 2–3 more pored scales in the scaly sheath on the base of the fin. There are 3½–4 scale rows between the base of the lateral line and the 5th dorsal fin spine. The caudal fin is deeply forked but short. The coloration is silvery, tinged with brown dorsally. Older fish may have indistinct, fine, dark stripes following scale rows, while many specimens, especially juveniles, have 7–11 slender, dark bars along the sides. The dorsal fin is edged with black, and the anal and pelvic fins are yellowish.