The fish is slender and slightly compressed, tapering at both ends. Its scales are large and cycloid. The dorsal fin begins slightly anterior to the anal fin in the posterior fourth of the body. In males, the fifth ray of the anal fin is thickened along the posterior margin and feathered anteriorly, whereas the anal fin remains unaltered in females. The base of the anal fin is covered with thick skin, and the base of the first five fin rays is scaled. The caudal fin is rounded. The body coloration is dull greenish-brown, with a narrow and indistinct lateral band. The tip of the upper jaw is milky white.