Fin formula: D ii-iii 7; A iii 10 – 13; P i 11 – 1 – 2; Vi 8. Body elongate and strongly compressed. Mouth oblique. Gill rakers 17 to 21 on first arch. Scales are very small. Lateral line slightly decurved, with 86 to 110, silvery scales. Coloration: Upper side grey-green in life, generally silvery; a broad, lustrous white-green band along margin. Fins hyaline.