Diagnosis: depth of body 2.5-3.5 times in standard length, length of head 3 (in young fishes) to 5 times (in adults) (Ref. 4903). Snout not elongated (Ref. 28714), rounded (Ref. 4903), not or slightly projecting beyond the mouth (Ref. 4903, 28714). Maxilla extending to below the nostrils; upper surface of the head, and the operculum ridged with low, radiating striations (Ref. 4903). Teeth all small and bicuspidate (Ref. 28714), in two series, outer with 24-36 teeth (Ref. 4903). Dorsal fin with 22-26 rays, the first 3-6 unbranched (Ref. 4903). Adipose fin covered with small scales (Ref. 4903, 28714), small, its basal length about 2-4 times its distance from the posterior margin of the dorsal fin (Ref. 28714). Anal fin with 13-15 rays, the first 3-4 unbranched; caudal fin forked, its rounded lobes almost entirely scaled; lateral line with 90-110 scales (Ref. 4903). 18-21 scales between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin (Ref. 4903, 28714). 15-18 scales between insertion of pelvic fin and lateral line (Ref. 4903). Large robust fish as adults (Ref. 28714).

Coloration: purplish-silver above, silver below; young fishes with several vertical dark bars on the flank (Ref. 4903).