Mouth relatively small, upper jaw reaching about to middle of eye. Pectoral fins stout. Interpelvic process short and single. No prominent anterior corselet present. Swim bladder present. Vertebrae 14 precaudal plus 17 caudal, total 31 as in mackerel (Scomber and Rastrelliger).

Description: Characterized further by metallic blue-green, shading to silvery below; three keels on caudal peduncle and fin base, middle one largest; most of head and body covered with small scales; two lateral lines, second branching from first below third dorsal spine, passing ventrally along body, rejoining first below last dorsal finlet; large eye, 7-9% of fork length; maxilla reaching below middle of eye; jaws with 20-30 slender conical teeth; vomer and palatines with a patch of small teeth; maximum weight about 3.5 kg (Ref. 90102).