This species is characterized by the following: maxilla reaching to below anterior edge of eye when mouth is fully closed; soft part of dorsal fin not as fish as spinous part (base of which is longer than softer portion); longest anal soft ray (the second) longer than longest dorsal spine; pelvic fins short, not to anus, 5.0-5.9 in SL; body color silver gray, edges of scales brown, resulting in a longitudinal linear pattern on body; a silvery stripe from front of snout to below eye, bordered below by a gray streak extending posteriorly from end of maxilla; opercular membrane dark brown to black; fins dark gray, an occasional yellow form may be seen, rarely individuals that appear to be a cross of yellow and normal-colored fish (Ref. 86689).