Diagnosis: body elongate (depth comprised 2.4-3.2 times in fork length); head ogival; snout slightly pointed; end of upper jaw extending to below centre of eye; 2 dorsal fins, 1st with 8 spines, 2nd with 1 spine and 20-21 soft rays; anal fin with 2 spines, followed by 1 spine and 17-18 soft rays; anterior lobes of dorsal and anal fins strongly developed, falciform, longer than head; pectoral fins falcate, longer than head; scales small and cycloid (Ref. 57392). Chest entirely scaleless (Ref. 57392, 81654). Posterior (straight) part of lateral line with 40-45 scutes; bilateral caudal keels present (Ref. 57392).

Coloration: back bluish-grey, sides and belly silvery-white to yellowish; in adults, vertical fins grey, other fins colourless; in juveniles, anal and caudal fins yellowish (Ref. 57392).