This species is distinguished by the following features: D XII, 18-20 (rarely 20); A III, 6-7 (rarely III, 6); pectoral-fin rays 16-17 (usually 17); lateral-line scales 56-61 (modally 59); transverse scale rows above lateral line 15; gill rakers 7-9 + 18-20 = 25-29 (modally 26); in juveniles, pelvic fins reaching anus, slightly short of anus in adults; nostrils minute, 0.4-0.8 % SL, 2-3 times in distance from posterior nostril to eye; when fresh colouration in adults with body uniformly silver-grey, cheek and opercles blue-grey, rim of orbit and dorsal edge of maxilla dusky yellow, posterior margin of opercular membrane silver-grey, non-contrasting with remainder of opercle and adjacent body (Ref. 103290).