Diagnosis: teeth small and conical (Ref. 4903, 81274), arranged in a single series confined to the middle of each jaw, 5-6 in both jaws (Ref. 4903). 16(-18) scales around caudal peduncle (Ref. 4903, 81274). Body depth 3.0-4.7 times in standard length; anal-fin base 0.7-0.9 times in dorsal-fin base (Ref. 81274). Head length 4-5.5 times in SL; upper head profile gently curved; snout 1/3-1/4 length of head; eye 1/2-2/3 length of snout; mouth small, a globular, fleshy swelling on the chin (Ref. 4903). Dorsal fin beginning slightly behind level of anal fin-origin (Ref. 2915, 81274), above the the 6th-9th anal fin ray (Ref. 4903) and comprising 25-31 rays (Ref. 2915, 4903, 81274). 70-92 lateral-line scales (Ref. 4903, 81274). Caudal-peduncle 2.0-3.4 times longer than deep (Ref. 2915, 4903, 81274). Caudal fin partly covered with small scales, its lobes pointed (Ref. 4903).

Coloration: silvery-grey, sometimes dark grey to blackish (Ref. 81274) or dark bluish-green dorsally (Ref. 4903).