U-shaped premaxilla groove fully scaled in specimens over 16 cm SL, producing a broadly rounded margin of the scaled area level with the anterior nostrils (partially scaled in 10 cm SL specimens). Posterior margin of maxilla beyond a vertical through anterior margin of inner dermal eye opening. Scales between 5th dorsal fin spine base 3.5 or 4. Body silvery, bands on body lacking or 6-8 irregular, very faint or dusky, oblique and vertical bands dorsolaterally and ventrolaterally (usually more apparent in young stressed or preserved specimens. Pelvic fin semi-transparent with a faint dusky band and indistinct white distal margin posteriorly or colorless when fresh. Spinous dorsal fin with an indistinct dusky patch (2nd-6th spines) and very narrow dusky distal margins on upper membranes between spines. Supraneural bones 3 (Ref. 35850).