This species is characterized by the following: D 11-12; A 7-9 (usually 8); P I,13-16 (usually I,14-15); predorsal scales 23-27 (usually 24-26); number of scales in an oblique (antrorse) row between the origin of the dorsal fin and the lateral line 7½-9½ (usually 8½); total number of gill rakers on the first arch 22-25 (6-8 + 16-19), usually 24-25 (6-7 + 17-18); total number of vertebrae 39-42 (25-27 + 14-14), usually 40-41 (25-26 + 14-15); snout short and blunt, with upper jaw not pointed anteriorly, while lower jaw shorter than upper jaw or of equal length (rarely that the lower jaw may be slightly longer, especially in juveniles); jaw teeth small (usually not visible with the naked eye), mainly tricuspid (some with conical or with additional cusps); juveniles (<10 cm SL) in 1-2 rows; palatine teeth always present, sparse in juveniles (<6.0 cm SL). numerous in adults (Ref. 130199).