Preopercular notch and knob weak. One of the pairs of canines in upper jaw notably enlarged, visible even when mouth is closed. Pectoral fins long, reaching level of anus. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Presence of a triangular bar between lower edge of eye and rear of mouth. Back and upper sides olive brown with bronze tinge, sometimes with narrow pale bars; lower sides and belly light reddish with a copper tinge. Young with a horizontal blue line below eye which breaks into a row of spots in adults.