Scales between 5th dorsal fin spine base and lateral line, 4-4.5. Upper jaw extending almost to the level of anterior margin of dermal eye opening. Second dorsal fin spine longest, 19-26% of SL (mean 23%). Caudal fin dusky (rarely with dark distal margin); lower edge of lower caudal fin hyaline. Dusky stripes absent or very indistinct along scale rows above lateral line (sometimes 4-9 slightly oblique dusky bands in specimens less than about 10 cm SL); 4-9 slightly oblique dusky bands or columns of ovoid dark spots (rarely brownish) immediately below lateral line, but more obvious in preserved or stressed live specimens (Ref. 41108). Adult body plain silver; may have faint dusky bars especially juveniles. Body elongate, depth max 2.8-3.3 in SL. Preopercle lower flange scaleless. Caudal fin forked deeply and with long lobes; pectoral fins do not reach beyond level of anus. (Ref. 90102)