Dark bluish dorsally, silvery below. A dark spot behind gill opening. Belly with 17 to 20 (usually 18) + 9 to 13 (usually 11), total 28 to 32 (usually 30) scutes. Anterior arm of pre-operculum with the third infra-orbital bone immediately above it, no fleshy gap between; lower jaw strongly flared outward. Pectoral axillary scale present; hind edge of scales distinctly toothed.