Diagnosis: body stout, cylindrical in cross-section, slightly compressed; head broad and flattened (Ref. 57400). Well developed adipose eyelid (Ref. 40476, 57400) covering most of pupil (Ref. 57400). Upper lip thin and without papillae, armed with 1-6 rows of fine teeth; hind end of upper jaw reaching a vertical line from anterior eye margin; maxillary pad not visible below corner of mouth when closed; origin of 1st dorsal fin nearer to snout tip than to caudal-fin base; anterior parts and bases of 2nd dorsal and anal fins with a moderately dense coverage of scales; pectoral axillary process; 14-15 scale rows between origins of dorsal and pelvic fins (Ref. 57400).

Description: lips thin; pectoral fins short (when folded forward does not reach eye); anal spines 3 in adults, anal soft rays 8 in adults, 9 in larvae (Ref. 40476).

Coloration: back bluish-grey (Ref. 57400) to olive-green (Ref. 40476). Sides and belly silvery (Ref. 40476, 57400) with golden reflections (Ref. 57400), white ventrally (Ref. 40476). Sides usually with longitudinal dark lines (Ref. 57400), sometimes distinctive (Ref. 40476). Pelvic fins, anal, and lower lobe of caudal fin yellow (Ref. 57400).