Diagnosis: Distinguished from its congeners by an elevated number of pored lateral-line scales (65-68 vs. 60 or fewer); a lower anal-fin ray count (iii,12-13 vs. iii,15); a large terminal black spot at the caudal-fin base (vs. absence); presence of vertical barring on the flanks (vs. none); unique configuration of lateral barring, consisting of a dominant row of 15-17 short ovoid bars or spots passing a little above mid-body level, and a secondary row of somewhat less distinct ovoid spots or bars positioned over the lateral line; the 2 rows separate in adults, merged in juveniles (Ref. 57537).

Description: It is an elongate, gracile species, with dorsal body profile more-or-less straight and ventral profile somewhat convex from opercle to anal fin. Jaws elongate; lower jaw prominent with a pronounced symphysial process and an articulation in line with posterior border of orbit; upper jaw narrow with distal maxillary tip extending just beyond center of eye. Dorsal fin has ii-iii,7 rays, and originates behind body center and in advance of anal-fin origin. Pectoral-fin tips extending almost to level of pelvic-fin insertion. Anal fin has iii,12-13 rays. Body scales are small: 65-68 pored scales in lateral line, 12-13 scale rows between origin of dorsal fin and lateral line, 3-4 scale rows between lateral line and base of pelvic fin, 25-27 circumpeduncular scales. Base body coloration is silvery, somewhat darkly counter-shaded with an orange sheen along the dorsal row of flank markings. The snout has an iridescent yellow spot. Caudal fin is yellowish along the margins of both lobes, dorsal fin is slightly smoky grey, remaining fins are pale and colorless (Ref. 57537).