The wreckfish is a large fish, reaching up to 2 meters in length and weighing up to 100 kg. Its body is compressed, with a massive head and a large mouth. It has a blue-gray color on the back, lightening towards the belly with silvery reflections, and dark brown-black fins.
Juveniles have black spots on the head and body. The dorsal spines range from 10 to 12, the soft dorsal rays from 11 to 13, the anal spines number 3, and the soft anal rays from 8 to 10.