This species is distinguished by the following combination of characters: D IV-VI + I, 14-17 (usually V + I, 15); A I,23-26 (rarely 23); pectoral rays 14-17 (usually 15-16); lateral scales 37-38; transverse scales 9; predorsal scales 17-19; circumpeduncular scales 12 or 13; total gill rakers on 1st arch 16-19 ( usually 17 or 18); total scales covering preoperculum 13-17 (mean 15.8); origin of 1st dorsal fin usually about eye diameter behind level of anal-fin origin, but occasionally level of dorsal and anal-fin origins about even; greatest body depth of adult male 2.7-3.2 in SL. Colour in life generally bluish green to yellowish, grading to white ventrally; mid-lateral dark stripe usually present, broader and more prominent on posterior half of body; dorsal fins with dark submarginal stripe and pale outer margin (Ref. 119199).