The scale rows between the upper angle of the gill opening and the base of the caudal fin are from 48-57. The body is moderately slender, elliptical, and compressed. The mouth is oblique, and the upper jaw has a median notch, with the lower jaw strongly projecting and extending into the dorsal profile. The upper margin of the mandible does not have a pronounced angle. The maxillary is broad and rounded posteriorly.
Teeth are absent in the upper jaw, and very small on the lower jaw and tongue.
The scales are moderately adherent with longitudinal striae and crenulate, membraneous borders. There are scutes present on the midline of the belly. This species is grayish- green above, shading into iridescent silver on the sides. The nape is green, the side of head brassy, and the tip of the lower jaw dusky. The caudal, dorsal, and pectoral fins are dusky.