Body relatively oblong and compressed. Head long, 42〜46% of SL. Preopercle with serrae at the angle; posterior part of opercle with 3 flat spines. Pelvic fin longer than pectoral fin and inserted anterior to ventral end of pectoral base. Bases of soft portions of dorsal and anal fins covered with scales. Scales on body ctenoid. Caudal fin almost truncate. Body pale brown dorsally, white ventrally; a yellow marginal stripe on spinous dorsal fin; soft dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins dusky; pectoral and caudal fins pale; a diagonal white stripe running from eye to angle of preopercle; a dark blotch on caudal peduncle not expanding ventrally beyond lateral line.
Distribution:
From Gulf of Mexico to Brazil.
Remarks:
This species is similar to E. niveatus but separable from it by the yellow stripe on the spinous dorsal fin, a diagonal white line from the eye to the angle of the preopercle, and a dark blotch on the caudal peduncle not expanding ventrally beyond the lateral line. (Matsuura)