Diagnosis: This species is distinguished from all its congeners by the following characters: scale rows between fifth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 3.5; front edge of dorsal scaly area on head slightly convex, with small scales (fewer than 20) anteriorly; pored lateral-line scales 42-44; second anal-fin spine (2AS) longer than third anal-fin spine (3AS), 2AS/3AS ratio 1.23-1.50 (mean 1.36); strongly curved concavity on ventral edge of first two infraorbitals above rear end of maxilla, particularly obvious in specimens more than 13 cm standard length; scales on preopercle flange absent; anal-fin membrane dark; molariform teeth strongly developed along both jaws, teeth rows strongly curved laterally at rear of lower jaw (Ref. 83673).

Description: Deep bodied with forked caudal fin (Ref. 52193). Incisors 4-6 in upper jaw, 6-8 in lower jaw (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 11-12 spines and 10-13 soft rays; anal fin with 3 spines and 8-9 soft rays (Ref. 52193). Lateral line scales 43-47 (Ref. 52193).

Colouration: Silvery grey to black, with a black patch behind upper gill cover (Ref. 52193).