This species is a member of the Caranx hippos complex characterized by the following: segmented dorsal-fin rays 21-23 (exceptional 24); segmented anal-fin rays 17-19, usually 18; posttemporal bones hyperossified in specimens larger than 20 cm FL; cleithrum, first pterygiophore of dorsal and anal fins, and neural spines of vertebrae relatively slender and never hyperossified; for individuals > 20 cm FL, heights of longest dorsal- and anal-fin rays both 0.7-1.3 in HL; in adults, anal-fin lobe white anteriorly and remainder of fin gray to brown (Ref. 58464).