Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 22 – 28. Body fairly deep, somewhat compressed, belly with 16 to 20 (usually 17 or 18) + 11 to 14 (usually 11 to 13), total 27 to 33 (usually 29 to 31) scutes. Upper jaw slender at tip and distinctly turned down, second supra-maxilla very small. Gill rakers fine and numerous (90 to 180 on lower arch). Pre-dorsal scales paired and overlapping in midline; scales moderate or small.