This species is distinguished by the following: posterodorsal margin of opercular membrane minutely serrated in adults; oral valve (membrane) at symphysis of upper jaw dusky or transparent; posterior end of upper jaw straight above, slightly concave and not strongly slanted anteroventrally; shoulder girdle (cleithrum) margin with 2 small papillae, the lower papilla larger; terminal dorsal- and anal-fin rays each consisting of a widely detached finlet; lateral line scales, in curved part 61-73, no scutes and straight part 4-12, followed by 30-40 scutes; total scales and scutes in lateral line (excluding scales on caudal fin) 103-118. Colour in life metallic blue to greenish above, silvery below; small black blotch on margin of opercle near upper edge; caudal fin bright red and tips of soft dorsal-fin rays tinged with red (Ref. 9894, 11228).