The body is somewhat deep and compressed, with a rounded abdomen featuring 4-7 (typically 6-7) small needle-like pre-pelvic scutes but no post-pelvic scutes. A small spine-like scute is present in the predorsal area. The posterior tip of the maxilla is pointed, extending to or beyond the posterior border of the preopercle, which has a rounded posterior border. The anal fin is short, originating below the middle of the dorsal-fin base. Caudal fin is large and forked. The scales are cycloid with approximately 34-38 longitudinal scale rows. The body color is semi-translucent, featuring a broad silver stripe midlaterally and a double pigment line on the dorsum posterior to the dorsal fin.