Lateral line complete; 4 1/2 scales between lateral line and dorsal fin origin; four barbels; last simple dorsal ray bony and serrated behind; one large blotch at anterior base of dorsal fin and a round spot in the middle of caudal peduncle. Juveniles and sometimes adults possess 2-4 midlateral round to elongate spots (Ref. 7050). Color in life varies from silvery gray to greenish gray; darker dorsally; paler or nearly white on throat and belly; a bar behind operculum on shoulder; body markings (spots or band) may be absent on large specimens, except spot on caudal base. 8-9 scales from nape to dorsal; 2.5 (rarely 3) scales between ventral and lateral line. 4th dorsal spine serrate. Round, broad-tipped snout equal or a seventh longer than eye (Ref. 2929).