This species is distinguished by the following characters: branchiostegal rays 12-16; premaxillae rectangular, the isthmus pointed anteriorly; pelvic scute W-shaped; pelvic fin located below the dorsal-fin base; A 13-17 rays; abdomen without keeled scutes; differs from its congeners by having small pores on the posterior region of the body scales (vs. numerous longitudinal striae in D. acuta, D. albulina and no striae or pores D. elopsoides; differs from elopsoides in having a deeper body 20.0-24.2% of SL (vs. 16-22%); differs from acuta in having a narrower body 20.0-24.2% of SL (vs. 23.4-28.2% in individuals > 7.5 cm SL of acuta), indistinct melanophores scattered on the 6th-9th pectoral-fin rays from the uppermost ray (vs. distinct on the 1st-5th pectoral-fin rays from the uppermost ray), and without parasphenoid teeth (vs. several rows of distinct conical parasphenoid teeth); most similar to albulina by having a relatively deep body (> 20.0% of SL) and without parasphenoid teeth but it differs by having small pores posteriorly on the body scales (vs. numerous longitudinal striae posteriorly in albulina), with a longer maxilla 33.4-34.9% of HL (vs. 30.4-34.9% [< 33.3% in specimens > 8.5 cm SL]) and the mandible 48.5-51.9% of HL (vs. 44.8-50.6%), has a greater number of pseudobranchial filaments 19-23 (vs. 17-21), and indistinct melanophores scattered on the pectoral-fin rays (vs. distinct) (Ref. 127774).