Saurida differs from all other lizardfishes by possessing several rows of villiform teeth extending outward onto the lips beyond the normal row of large canine, and 9 instead of 8 pelvic rays. The species is recognized by the large dark blotches below the dorsal fins (Ref. 48635).

Description: Characterized by greyish color; mottled with brown dorsally; visible teeth when mouth is closed; dorsal fin origin behind midpoint between snout and adipose fin; vertical from tip of pectoral equal with level of fourth to sixth predorsal scales; pectoral fins just reaching level of pelvic fin origin (Ref. 90102).