Body deep and compressed; caudal peduncle long, extremely slender; fins falcate; caudal fin large, forked; angle along anal fin base continues along upper edge of caudal fin. Large-sized individuals possess large, nearly scaleless hump behind small, depressed head; mouth subterminal, extending to front of small eye; 73-90 scales on lateral line; usually 9 dorsal rays; 10 anal rays; pharyngeal teeth 2,5-4.2. Dark olive-gray above, silver side (Ref. 86798).