Diagnosis: multicuspid teeth set in two rows and not overlapping the jaws when the mouth is closed; teeth stout, not compressed; eyes with well-developed vertical adipose lids; slender body; head not flattened (Ref. 28714). Dorsal fin origin at about same level as pelvic fin insertion (Ref. 2880, 80290, 81279), about halfway between caudal fin and snout (Ref. 28714). Fronto-parietal fontanel absent in adults, sometimes pore-like in juveniles, disappearing with growth; sexual dimorphism affecting anal fin shape; 24-34 lateral line scales; 5.5 scales between lateral line and dorsal fin; 10-15 anal fin branched rays; 14-20 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch; 8 teeth in outer premaxillary row (Ref. 2880, 80290, 81279). Snout short, more than 3x head length; head length/snout length 3.6-4.3; 10-11.5 predorsal scales; flanks without lateral band; adults medium-sized (Ref. 80290).

Description: anal fin with 3 branched and 10-15 unbranched rays; jaws equal; premaxilla with two tooth rows, each comprimising 8 teeth; in larger individuals, two teeth of anterior row become dislodged, thus forming ‘third’ row (Ref. 2880, 80290, 81279).

Coloration: humeral spot; precaudal black spot, extending unto median rays of caudal fin to margin of caudal fork; back greenish, sides silvery and belly white; unpaired fins vermillion-red; pectorals and ventral colorless or, at most, light orange; part above eye red (Ref. 2880, 80290, 81279).