Pacific sierra

Dorsal spines (total): 15-18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-19; Anal soft rays: 16-21; Vertebrae: 46-49. Interpelvic process small and bifid. Body covered with small scales. Lateral line gradually curving down toward caudal peduncle. Intestine with 2 folds and 3 limbs. Swim bladder absent. Pelvic fins relatively long. Sides silvery with numerous round brownish (orange in life) spots, three rows above lateral line, one above. The first dorsal fin is black distally and white at the base. The second dorsal fin is tinged with yellowish and with black margin. The anal fin is white.