Body elongate and tubular; head and caudal peduncle somewhat depressed. Several rows of teeth visible in both jaws even when mouth is closed; 2 series of teeth on palate (roof of mouth), outer series in 3 or 4 rows anteriorly; a small patch of teeth present on vomer. Dorsal fin rays usually 12 (11 to 13), longest ray about 4 times as long as last ray; pectoral fin rays 14 or 15, longest ray reaching to about pelvic insertion. Pelvic rays sub equal in length.