A deep-bodied amberjack. Sometimes they appear darker in coloration and their front dorsal and anal fins are high and elongated. The body is more flattened than the banded rudderfish or greater amberjack. No bony scutes are found on the caudal peduncle. The body and lower fins are generally dark brown or dark bluish green, and the lower sides and belly are lighter, sometimes having a lavender or brassy tint.