This species is characterized by a body depth of 2.5–2.9 times in standard length, with the snout length measuring 1.8–2.4 times in head length. The snout length (measured without lip) is 0.8–1.0 times in cheek height. Lateral teeth in the jaws are rounded with points or molars that often have tubercles. There are 5½ scale rows between the lateral line and the base of the middle dorsal fin spines. The inner surface of the pectoral fin base is densely covered with scales, while the cheeks are scaleless. The body is yellowish or bronze, lighter below, with the centers of many scales having a white or light blue spot. Sometimes, there are irregular dark indistinct bars on the sides. The fins are whitish or yellowish, with the pelvic fins being dusky, and the edge of the dorsal fin appearing reddish.