This species is distinguished by the following characters: chin with 2 pores with a median pit; D XII,13-15 (usually 14 ½); A III,7; scales ctenoid (rough to touch); lateral line scales 43-50; scales between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin 7; scales around caudal peduncle 20, 9 above lateral line and 9 below; body depth 2.5 to 3 times in standard length; head blunt, its upper profile convex; mouth small; maxilla reaching to eye; teeth in jaws arranged in villiform (brushlike) bands; swimbladder without anteriolateral horn-like extensions. Colour: juveniles brilliant silvery green above to golden silver on sides and silvery white on belly with 12 or more faint vertical bars comprised of small dark brown spots or irregular blotches; dorsal fin spotted with black-brown spots on lower half of spinous dorsal fin and in 3 rows on rayed dorsal fin; margin of soft dorsal fin darker and lower tip of caudal fin milk white; adults uniform golden green above, silvery below with traces of the vertical bars present only when alive and spots on dorsal fins indistinct or absent (Ref. 47695).