Diagnosis: lower jaw longer than upper jaw; pectoral fin reaching first dorsal ray (Ref. 2835, 42908, 81263). 11-14 dorsal finlets (Ref. 28714, 122071), the first situated above the pectoral fins; head flat or slightly concave between the eyes but not convex (Ref. 28714). Third dorsal scale row the first to reach ventral midline; predorsal length short, 21.7-27.4 % SL; few (4-5, rarely 6), broad (more than 3 scale rows wide), dark transverse bars extending from dorsum to middle of flank by confluence of dorsal and lateral blotches sometimes including ventrolateral markings (Ref. 122071).

Description: Body dorso-ventrally depressed, non subcylindrical, the height of which is comprised 7.1-9.1 times in body length and head length 4.1-5.5 times (Ref. 367, 2756, 2835, 42908, 81263). Head flattened, 1.3-1.7 times longer than broad; lower jaw longer than upper jaw; eye diameter 9.4-13 times in head length (Ref. 367, 2756, 2835, 81263). Dorsal fin with 11-14 rays followed by 20-26 dorsal and caudal articulated rays; anal fin with 15-18 rays; pectoral fin rounded getting behind the level of the first dorsal ray (Ref. 2835, 81263). Scales ganoid (Ref. 42904), 50-60 in lateral line, 39-48 around the body, 11-16 predorsal scales (Ref. 367, 2835, 42908, 81263, 122071), 39-45 prepelvic scales. Lateral line scales grooved with a posterior notched border (Ref. 367, 2835, 42908, 81263).

Coloration: In alcohol, body yellowish or greenish on the upper parts, belly clearer, sides with characteristic and irregular vertical black bands; head and fins spotted with black (Ref. 2835, 3069, 81263).