Body ovate and compressed, body depth 1.8 in SL. Eye large, its diameter 1.9 in head length. A small spine at corner of preopercle. Pelvic fin shorter than head, connected broadly with body by a membrane. Caudal fin rounded. Body vermilion, becoming white ventrally; dorsal fin pale with black edge at the soft portion; pelvic and anal fins vermilion; caudal fin pale with vermilion spots; pectoral fin pale.
Distribution:
From New Jersey to Brazil.
Remarks:
This species is distinguished from other Atlantic priacanthids by having 10 dorsal soft rays and the smaller number of lateral-line scales. (Matsuura)