Small yellow spots form irregular horizontal lines along length of body, yellow wavy lines on face. Head slopes down to a pointed forward-facing mouth. Spiny dorsal fin. Fins may exhibit yellow tinge. May exhibit mottling, body appears silver/gray-blue/green and fades to silver/white near belly. Dark bars may be present along sides of body. Sharp spines in dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins.Juveniles have a strong horizontal line that go through eye with dark banding.