Diagnosis: The slightly shorter pectoral fin, 11-13% of standard length, and the black marking of the upper part of the dorsal fin are the only satisfactory characters separating this species from Chirocentrus nudus; there is also some black on the anterior part of the anal fin (Ref. 188).

Description: With numerous dagger-like teeth (Ref. 37816). Lower gillrakers 12-16 (Ref. 6595). Pectoral fin shorter than distance between eye centre and hind border of gill cover, 11-13% of standard length; dorsal fin with 4-5 unbranched and 12-14 branched rays; anal fin with 3-4 unbranched and 26-32 branched rays; pectoral fin with 1 unbranched and 13-15 branched rays; pelvic fin with 1 unbranched and 6-7 branched rays (Ref. 2871, 6595, 30573). Scales numerous, small, usually lost (Ref. 6595, 37816). Belly without scutes (Ref. 6595).

Colouration: Silvery; back bright blue, fading to grey; flanks bright silver (Ref. 37816).