ABSTRACT
Body oblong, compressed, depth contained 2.7–3.2 times in standard length. Head length 2.5–2.7 times in standard length; maxilla width 4.4–5.8% of standard length; interorbital area convex; preopercle angular, with serrae at the angle enlarged, forming a weak lobe; posterior and anterior nostrils subequal in size. Gill rakers 16–20 on upper limb, 32–36 on lower limb, 48–55 total (mean 51.9, n = 25). Dorsal fin with 11 spines and 15–17 rays, the interspinous membranes slightly indented, the margin of posterior part of fin rounded; anal fin with 3 spines and 10–12 rays, the fin margin distinctly pointed in adults; pectoral-fin rays 15–17; caudal fin rounded in fish less than 10 cm SL, truncate in fish 12–20 cm and concave in fish larger than 25 cm SL; no exserted caudal-fin rays, although the fin corners are pointed in large adults. Lateral-line scales 67–77; lateral-scale series 85–106.
