This species is diagnosed by the following characters: D 109- 122 (usually 112-117); A 91-96 (usually 94 or 95), pectoral-fin rays 19 or 20 (modally 19); vertebrae, precaudal 15-16, caudal 47-50 (usually 48-50), total 63-66 (usually 64-65); lower arm of first gill arch with 5-6 developed rakers; short head, inferior mouth but not distinctly overhung by snout; dorsal and ventral profiles of body nearly parallel for much of its length; unmarked body; pelvic rays intermediate in length, reaching under middle of opercle (Ref. 81834).