The fish has a keeled abdominal edge extending from below the pectoral fins to the anus. Its mouth is oblique, with the lower jaw longer and featuring a prominent knob at the symphysis. The maxillary extends below the first fourth of the eye. The lateral line is concave, with 7-8 rows of scales between the lateral line and the base of the pelvic fins. The anal fin originates from below the middle of the dorsal fin base. The pectoral fins are longer than the head, and the pelvic fins are closer to the origin of the anal fin than to the origin of the pectoral fins. The body is bright silvery with a greenish back. Some juveniles may have a light grey lateral band.