Similar to the Pilchard but with a deeper body and larger eye. Also easily distinguished by the elongated, threadlike posterior ray of the dorsal fin. Dark spot behind gill cover. Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-21; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 23 - 24. The filamentous last dorsal fin ray distinguishes this species from all other western Atlantic clupeoids except Dorosoma, which has an inferior mouth. Otherwise, superficially resembles species of Sardinella (but i 8 pelvic fin rays in western Atlantic species, cf. i 7 in Opisthonema) and Harengula (but small toothed hypomaxilla in upper jaw). Lower gill rakers stable at 28 to 46 after 8 cm (Ref. 188). Silvery, with a bluish or greenish back, 6-7 lengthwise dark streaks on side. Dark spot above opercle, larger dark spot behind opercle, usually with a row of dark spots behind it. Lower profile deeply curved. Head pointed