Distinguished from all congeners of Acanthopagrus by the following combination: scale rows between fifth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 5½; front edge of dorsal scaly area on head forming an obtuse angle pointing anteriorly; pored lateral-line scales 45 or 46; second anal-fin spine (2AS) slender, and subequal to third anal-fin spine (3AS), ratio of 2AS/3AS = 1.01–1.06; ventral edge of first two infraorbitals straight; no scales on preopercular flange; wide black margin on dorsal and caudal fins, and pelvic- and analfin membrane black; molariform teeth poorly developed in both jaws (Ref. 83673).