The fish has a small, inferior mouth, and its characteristics include sagitta, swim bladder, dentition, and chin pores and a short, stiff barbel on the chin. The scales on the head are cycloid (smooth), while those on the body are ctenoid (rough), and there are small scales on the soft parts of the dorsal and anal fins. The gill rakers are stiff, numbering 8–13 on the lower limb of the first gill arch. There are 4–6 scale rows above the lateral line to the origin of the dorsal fin and 9–12 scale rows below the lateral line to the origin of the anal fin. The caudal fin is rhomboidal. The coloration consists of a dark brown back, whitish flanks and belly with silvery reflections, and the spinous part of the dorsal fin is darkish, while the pectoral fins are hyaline.