The upper jaw extends beyond the posterior margin of the eye. Dorsal fins are closely positioned. The teeth are relatively large and conical, numbering between 10 and 20 on each side of the upper and lower jaws. Pelvic fins are separated by two flaps.Caudal peduncle is slender, featuring a prominent lateral keel between two smaller keels on each side. There are 8–13 gill rakers on the 1st gill arch. Regarding coloration, the back and upper sides exhibit a steel-blue color with 5–11 slightly oblique dark stripes running forward and downward. The lower sides and belly have a silvery appearance. Juveniles may display several transverse bars and the 1st dorsal fin is uniformly black.