the fin anatomy is highly useful for identification purposes, with the species having 11 spines in the first dorsal fin, with one spine and 16 or 18 soft rays on the second dorsal fin. the anal fin has two spines with 15 to 17 soft rays posterior to the spines. lateral line scales and cheek scales are also distinctive, with sand whiting possessing 60 to 69 lateral line scales and cheek scales positioned in 3-4 rows, all of which are ctenoid. the amount of vertebrae are also diagnostic, having 32 to 34 in total. the swim bladder has rudimentary tubules