The body is oval and flat, featuring a large mouth with robust canine teeth. The pelvic fins have 1 spine and 5 soft rays. Both eyes are positioned on either the left or right side. The anterior rays of the dorsal and anal fins are spinous. Typically brown or grey, occasionally displaying four broad dark crossbars. The tips of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are black. On the eyed side, coloration may be partially present.