Diagnosis: This species is distinguished from its congeners of by the following characters: 3.5 scale rows between fifth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line; front edge of dorsal scaly area on head (dorsal view) with a median W-shaped scaleless area and with small scales present just before an oblique temporal row of larger scales; 44-46 pored lateral-line scales; second anal-fin spine (2AS) slightly longer than third anal fin spine (3AS), ratio 2AS/3AS 5 1.15-1.45 (mean 1.25); ventral edge of first two infraorbitals straight in specimens less than 23 cm SL, weakly concave in specimens more than 25 cm standard length; preopercle flange with 0-6 scales, number increasing with growth and is obvious in specimens over 20 cm standard length ; black streaks near anal-fin base on interradial membranes between rays; both jaws with well developed molariform teeth (Ref. 83673).

Description: Body depth 1.9-2.5 times in standard length; head length 2.9-3.3 times in standard length; dorsal head profile straight, inter-orbital area flat; lower edge of preorbital bone and front edge of snout straight (Ref. 58304). Jaws with 4-6 pointed incisors at front, followed by 3-5 rows of molars (Ref. 58304). Lower gill rakers 9-11 (Ref. 58304). Dorsal fin with 11 spines and 10-12 rays; anal fin with 3 spines and 8 rays, second spine distinctly longer than third spine; pactoral fin with 15 rays (Ref. 58304). Lateral line scales 43-45; inter-orbital area naked (Ref. 58304).

Colouration: Head, body and most fins silvery white; adults have yellow anal fin with membranes blackish basally, rear edge of operculum blackish; small black spot at upper end of pectoral fin base; fins of live juveniles bluish (Ref. 58304).