This fish is characterized by a broad patch of spinules dorsally on the head and body, extending from above the posterior edge of the nostrils to the origin of the dorsal fin. There is also a patch of spinules ventrally on the body, spanning from below the anterior edge of the eyes to below the tip of the pectoral fins. It has 16–17 pectoral fin rays, and its caudal fin is deeply emarginate. The coloration is grey dorsally without obvious dark markings, silvery on the side and ventrally, sometimes with a golden sheen on the lower side. The caudal fin is yellowish-grey on the upper half, while the lower half is bluish-white.