Description
The snake mackerel has a very long, slender, laterally compressed body. It has a long, pointed head, measuring 17-18% of the standard length, and a large mouth with the lower jaw protruding beyond the upper. Both jaws are densely packed with sharp teeth; the first few teeth in the upper jaw are enlarged into fangs. The pectoral fins contain 12-15 rays; the pelvic fins are tiny and located beneath the pectorals, containing 1 small spine and 3-4 rays. There are two dorsal fins; the first is long and spiny, and is followed immediately by the second, which contains 1 tiny spine and 11-14 soft rays. The anal fin originates opposite the second dorsal fin and consists of 2 free spines followed by 1 spine and 10-12 rays. The dorsal and anal fins are followed by 6-7 finlets. There are two lateral lines, with the upper running to the rear of the first dorsal fin and the lower running to the caudal peduncle. The scales are mostly absent. The coloration is metallic brown, with dark fins. This species grows to 1 meter (3.3 ft) in length.
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