Body deep and compressed; dorsal fin origin far behind pelvic fin origin; caudal peduncle narrow; caudal fin deeply forked; snout short and point; mouth terminal; eye large; axillary process at pelvic fin base; lateral line decurved, complete wit 52-67 scales; dorsal fin with 8-12 rays (usually 10); anal fin with 10-24 rays (usually 15); intestine long; peritoneum silver; pharyngeal teeth 2,4-4,2 to 2,5-5,2. Olive-gray to brown above, clear to yellow streak above dark stripe along side; red above pectoral fin base on large individuals; clear to yellow-brown fins. Breeding males are brassy yellow, bright red along lower side (Ref. 86798).