Body elongated and compressed, its depth contained less than 4.0 times in standard length (adults); tongue with a wide tooth patch covering 50 to 60 percent of its surface; dorsal fin originating on nape, almost reaching caudal fin, with 48 to 55 rays; anterior distal edge of anal fin convex; pectoral fins located near middle of head; body shiny blue green, changing to gray with green tints after death; flanks with golden highlights and numerous diffuse black stains (Ref. 55763). Greatest body depth more than 25% of SL; tooth patch on tongue broad and square; single dorsal fin extending from just behind eye almost to caudal fin, with 52-59 rays; a convex anal fin extending from anus almost to caudal fin; pectoral fin about half of head length (Ref. 10948). Caudal vertebrae usually 20. (Ref. 10998). Color in life brilliant metallic blue-green dorsally, fading to grey with green tinge upon death; sides silvery with golden sheen and spots; dorsal fin dark; juveniles with entire caudal fin margin white. Head profile of large adults (30-200 cm.) becomes vertical with the development of bony crest, but more in males.