This species is distinguished by the following characters: D X (rarely XI),15 (rarely 14 or 16); A III,12 (11-13); pectoral fin 20-22 soft rays; scales in lateral line usually 69-75, above to dorsal fin origin 9-11 (modally 10) and below to anal-fin origin 11-12; upper peduncular scales usually 11-13; dorsal and anal fins are scaly; obliquely oriented scale rows on posterior back; two postmaxillary processes; small conical teeth in jaws; greatest body depth 3.3-4.4 in SL, head length 3.2-3.7 in SL; colour of body bluish green on upper half, white or silvery blue on lower side (pinkish ventrally); a single yellow longitudinal stripe laterally, about 1 scale wide, covering lateral line for most of its length, usually running dorsal to lateral line on caudal peduncle; caudal fin dusky, the tips of lobes black (Ref. 68703, 90102).