The fish has a deep and compressed body, with a depth measuring 2.0–2.3 times the standard length. The dorsal profile of the head is virtually a straight line descending at an angle of about 45°, and the ventral profile is slightly concave below the chin. The caudal fin is emarginate in young individuals, gradually changing to deeply forked in older ones, with both caudal fin lobes usually having broadly rounded tips. In life, the coloration is greyish green with brown spots covering the head and trunk, extending onto all fins, including the basal portion of the pectoral fin rays. The iris is silver, interrupted by 10 brown spotl.