Diagnosis: body stout, rounded in cross-section; head broad; inter-orbital space flat; a well developed adipose eyelid covering most of pupil; upper lip simple, thicker and deeper than in most Mugil species, armed with 2-3 rows, teeth in outer row curved, monocuspid and widely spaced; a vertical line from hind end of upper jaw positioned midway between posterior nostril and anterior eye margin; maxillary pad not visible below corner of mouth when closed; origin of 1st dorsal fin equidistant from snout tip and caudal-fin base; pectoral axillary process well developed (30-37% of pectoral-fin length); dorsal and anal fins entirely (and more or less densely) covered with scales; 11-12 scale rows between origins of first dorsal and pelvic fins (Ref. 57400).

Description: usually 38-39 scales in lateral series; scales on side covered with smaller secondary scales (Ref. 26938).

Coloration: body uniformly silvery, slightly darker on back; black spot usually present at pectoral-fin bases; pelvics and anal fin yellowish, dorsal fins translucid, caudal fin black-edged (Ref. 57400).