Description: Depth of body 2.16-2.50 times in total length; length of head 3.66 times in total length (Ref. 1878). Caudal peduncle much deeper than long (Ref. 1878). Head a little longer than deep, twice as long as broad; snout rounded, not compressed, projecting little beyond mouth, as long as eye, which is 3.5 times in length of head and about 1.5 times in interorbital width; maxillary extending to below nostrils; teeth in 2 series in each jaw, outer series containing 22-24 teeth (Ref. 1878). Dorsal fin with 22 rays, including 4-5 unbranched rays, equally distant from occiput and from caudal, its base 2.5 times its distance from adipose fin; anal fin with 16 rays, including 3-4 unbranched rays; pectoral fin 2/3 length of head; caudal forked, lobes obtusely pointed (Ref. 1878). Scales in lateral series 68-75, 13-14 scales between lateral line and root of pelvic fin (Ref. 1878).

Colouration: Silvery, back darker (Ref. 1878). Large black shoulder spot, on the lateral line above the pectoral fin; dorsal fin spotted (Ref. 1878, 4967).