Interpelvic process small and bifid. Swim bladder absent. Lateral line abruptly bent downward below end of second dorsal fin. Intestine with 2 folds and 3 limbs. Vertical bars on trunk sometimes break up into spots ventrally which number 40-50 in adults, and less than 20 in juveniles. Juveniles with large oval dark spots on body; middle third of first dorsal fin white, rest of fin black (Ref. 11228).

Description: Characterized further by bluish grey color dorsally, shading to silvery ventrally; white tipped second dorsal and anal fins; fully scaled body; elongate body, depth 4.8-5.6 in SL and compressed; large mouth, exposed maxilla on cheek and extending to below rear margin of eye; large teeth in jaws, compressed and triangular; presence of teeth in vomer and palatines (Ref. 90102).