The Shortfin Covina is characterized by its silver appearance, blue-gray back, very large mouth, projecting lower jaw, no barbells, and smooth edges of the gill covers. The anal and pectoral fins are short and the caudal fin is slightly concave. Their lateral line is arched anteriorly. The Shortfin Covina is covered with rough scales, the inside of the mouth is yellow, and inside the gill cover is dark.