Body compressed, elevated; its depth contained 2 to 2.5 times in standard length in larger specimens, up to 3 times in smaller specimens. Anterodorsal profile ascending steeply at an angle of about 40° to horizontal axis. Second dorsal sine laterally compressed, produced into a filament whose tip extends past level of first anal spine filament often damaged. Colour is silvery, with 7 to 10 columns of ovoid spots on upper portion of sides, coalescing as bars in small specimens.