The fish has a depressed head and a compressed tail. The jaws are of equal length, with the maxilla extending near the front margin of the eye. The mouth is moderate in size and positioned anteriorly. The tongue is rounded. The dorsal fin is located well back on the body, originating above the posterior base of the anal fin. The pelvic fins originate below the middle of the pectoral fins and extend to reach the anal fin. The anal fin reaches the caudal fin, which is rounded in mature specimens and somewhat pointed in juveniles. The lateral line is absent, and the upper surface of the head is scaled.