This species is distinguished by having the following characters: mature males with prominent bony crest in front of the head; greatest body depth in adults less than 25% of standard length; tooth patch on tongue small and oval; single dorsal fin extending from above eye almost to caudal fin with 58-66 rays; a concave anal fin extending from anus almost to caudal fin; pectoral fin more than half of head length; lateral-line scales at least 200. Colour of body metallic blue-green on the back (fading to grey with green tinge when dead), sides silver with golden sheen, and 1 row of dark spots or golden blotches running below dorsal fin and 1, 2, or more rows on and below lateral line, some scattered irregularly; dorsal and anal fins black, the latter with a white edge; pectoral fins pale; caudal fin silvery with a golden sheen; in juveniles, only tips of caudal-fin lobes white, pelvic fins black