Snout blunt, obtusely rounded, slightly projecting in front of upper jaw; mouth small, inferior; upper jaw extending backward below hind margin of pupil, upper jaw length 31-38 % of head length, lower jaw length 34-40 % of head length, lower jaw length 34-40 % of head length. Mental pores in 3 pairs, the first close together, united by a crescent-shaped groove just behind symphysis. Teeth differentiated into large and small in upper jaw only; the; large ones closely spaced, not canine-like, forming outer series; a band of villiform teeth on lower jaw. Second anal spine long, stiff, 38-64 % of head length, progressively thicker with age and size. Lateral line scales numerous, 57-60. Swim bladder carrot-shaped, with about 18 pairs of fan-like appendages along its sides, the first pair entering head beyond transverse septum. Sagitta with a tadpole-shaped impression, the tail of which is J-shaped.