Diagnosis: It is characterized by the anterior position of pelvic fin insertions in relation to dorsal-fin origin, and by some morphometric counts: 13-16 dorsal-fin rays, 40-48 lateral-line scales and 53-57 vertebrae (Ref. 2845, 81266).

Description: Body moderately deep, rather strongly compressed (Ref. 3234, 4639). Head moderately short and deep with dorsal outline nearly straight and horizontal; snout considerably shorter than eye in small specimens, becoming equal and longer than eye during growth; eye 3,3-4,7 times in head (Ref. 3234). Mouth oblique, lower jaw prominent, with a gular plate visible ventrally between its two branches (Ref. 2845, 81266). Gillrakers rather long and slender, scarcely denticulate (Ref. 3234). Fins spineless; dorsal fin short-based, inserted at midlength of body, its last ray filamentous; anal-fin base much longer, its origin placed rearwards in relation to dorsal fin end; pectoral fins set very low on body; pelvic fins inserted in advance of dorsal-fin origin; caudal fin deeply forked (Ref. 2845, 3234, 26938, 81266). Scales large, cycloid, those in lateral line numbering 40-48 and ornamented with branched tubes (Ref. 2845, 81266).

Colouration: Back bluish-grey, sides brilliant silvery (Ref. 2845, 3234, 81266).