Diagnosis: snout extended; mouth terminal; head about 4 times in fork length; juveniles with 6-7 dark bars (Ref. 52193).

Description: scales ctenoid, 67—70 in lateral line; body deep and compressed; adipose fin with scales, caudal deeply forked, largely covered by scales; head depressed, nape rising steeply with concave predorsal profile; mouth terminal; 2 rows of bicuspid teeth; dorsal fin with 4 unbranched and 19-23 branched rays; anal fin with 3-4 unbranched and 10-12 branched rays (Ref. 52193).

Coloration: adults deep olive, almost black; juveniles silvery, with 6—7 broad vertical dark bars (Ref. 52193).