A slender species, the body depth 4 or 5 times in standard length. Snout longer than eye diameter, its upper profile rising evenly to dorsal fin origin or slightly concave before eye; mouth large, terminal, slightly upturned; rostral pores absent, marginal pores 3, mental pores rather indistinct; teeth in 2 series in upper jaw, with 1 or 2 pairs of strong canines at front; a pair of canine teeth at tip of lower jaw; sagitta (large earstone) with a tadpole-shaped impression, of which the "tail" is only slightly curved, ending in a disc near the posterior edge; caudal fin rhomboid (pointed in juveniles).