Body elongate, distinctly compressed laterally, and thin, greatest body depth in front of dorsal fin. Head about 23 - 26% of total length; eye large, but shorter than snout; snout always longer than eye diameter; mouth terminal, lower jaw usually projecting beyond the upper, usually with a distinct symphyseal knob or projecting posteriorly to below the anterior half of the eye. Overall coloration silvery with pink or purple iridescence, dark on back, silvery on sides, white below; often dark on tip of lower jaw, top of head, back and on dorsal and caudal fins. Pelvic fins usually immaculate.