Diagnosis: length of caudal peduncle 0.5-0.6 times in its depth (Ref. 53405). 2 scale rows on cheek (Ref. 2). No black spots; sides with faint vertical bars (Ref. 53405). Upper parts of head and back yellow-green, flanks silvery, each scale with yellow spot or bar at base; soft dorsal, anal and caudal yellowish with rows of dark spots and with blackish margins; iris silvery, with yellow crescent near upper margin (Ref. 2).

Description: outer jaw teeth bicuspid, inner jaw teeth tricuspid, posterior teeth on pharyngeal bone bicuspid; anterior part of lower pharyngeal bone distinctly longer (61.1-66.7% of total bone length) than toothed part; pharyngeal teeth fine; micro-gillrakers present; scales cycloid (Ref. 53405).

Coloration: in life: Adults: silvery-white; lower jaw, isthmus and belly white; snout, occiput and anterior part of back yellowish to yellowish-grey; scales on sides with yellow spot at base; dorsal fin black-edged, spinous part greyish, with 2 horizontal rows of black spots, soft part yellowish, with numerous dark spots; "tilapian" spot present in adults; caudal fin yellowish, its distal margin blackish, central area with vertical rows of black spots; anal fin greyish with dark margin; pelvic fins yellowish to greyish (Ref. 53405). Young individuals: silvery with 5-6 narrow, dark cross bars on sides; fins nearly transparent, upper margin of dorsal blackish, central part of caudal with some dark spots (Ref. 53405).