This species is distinguished by the following characters: terminal mouth is almost in an oblique angle; presence of scales in the interorbital region; D XI,11-12 rays; A III,10-12; gill rakers externally on first arch 4-7 + 13-17; pectoral fin is relatively short, 13.6-21.3 %SL); anal-fin base relatively long (18.1-24.8 %SL; lateral line scales 61-76, with pores 51-60; longitudinal scales 54-67; cheek scales 9-16; vertebrae 10 + 16; low number of pterygiophores, dorsal 20-21 and anal 12. Colour of body variable brownish to silvery with dusky unpaired fins when fresh; soft parts of the dorsal and anal fins appear dusky and have black or darker edges; dark edges on dorsal, anal and caudal fins appear pronounced in more adult individuals, but may also vary from habitat to habitat; cheek and area below eye usually with a white or silvery streak (Ref. 95491).