Elongate, fusiform, compressed, oval cross-section; eye moderate; mouth opens at front, weakly oblique, lower jaw slightly projecting; no barbel or pores under chin; teeth in multiple rows, front teeth pointed but are not canines; 13-18 gill rakers; preopercle with smooth edge; raised ridge down center of belly; dorsal with long base, deep notch between spiny and soft parts, X-XI, 21-23; anal fin II thin, short spines, 2nd spine ~ ½ length of 1st ray, 9-10 rays; pectoral and pelvics short; tail straight to slightly concave; scales small, all rough except smooth around eye, 70-85 on lateral line; fins not scaly.
Metallic blue to coppery above, with dark specks; belly silver; inner base of pectoral with black blotch; juveniles 3-6 dark bars on upper back, dusky yellow fins.
