Diagnosis: This species is distinguished from congeners by the open pre-opercular neuromast system, beginning of the dorsal fin completely behind the anal fin and male and female colouration, without dark crossbars (Ref. 57261).

Description: Very small and slender species with rounded fins in both sexes; dorsal fin set back to above the last anal fin rays; dorsal fin with 6-8 rays, anal fin with 12-14 rays (Ref. 57261). Scales on mid-lateral series 28-31 (Ref. 57261).

Colouration: Male colouration: the body is translucent and basically pale yellow-olive in colour with a light blue iridescence on the sides and a white ventral area; the dorsal and anal fins are yellow to orange in most populations, but tend to be red in those found in the delta of the Niger River; the fin colour deepens outwards and the margin at the dorsal and anal fin is pale blue; the caudal fin is transparent with a pale yellow to red hue (Ref. 57261). Female colouration: in general, similar to the male, but lacking the iridescence on the sides; the dorsal and anal fins are pale yellow, with pale blue to white margins; the caudal fin is pale yellow to colourless (Ref. 57261). Both sexes have a large eye with a reflecting pale blue iris (Ref. 57261).