This species is distinguished by the following characters: elongate supramaxilla and posterior end of maxilla produced as a thin flexible lamina; a single conspicuous black stripe at inner lining of upper jaw and adjacent membranes; dorsal, anal and caudal fins with narrow, pale (blue in life) distal margins; when alive, dorsal portion of iris golden; lateral-line terminus below verticals between segmented dorsal-fin rays 1 to 4, typically below second to third ray; caudal vertebrae 18 (Ref. 81517).