Diagnosis: Body depth 32.7-36.8% of standard length; anal fin length 23.5-27.0% of standard length; eye diameter as defined by orbital rims 21.8-25.0% of head length; length of snout to posterior orbital rim of eye 44.9-48.1% of head length; number of dorsal fin rays 19-22; number of scales in lateral line 39-41 (Ref. 91771). No spot below dorsal fin origin (Ref. 91771).

Description: Rounded-oval body of egg-like shape; rounded head with a small ventrally positioned subterminal mouth, situated ventral to the eye; head and body dorsolaterally compressed (Ref. 91771). Dorsal fin origin situated about two-thirds of standard length from snout, obliquely orientated, anteriorly higher and posteriorly lower, distal margin crescentic with anterior two or three rays longer than posterior rays, and 19-22 dorsal fin rays (Ref. 91771). Anal fin longer than dorsal fin, opposite dorsal fin with slightly more anterior origin, obliquely orientated, anteriorly lower and posteriorly higher, anterior 10 or so rays longer than posterior ones, especially in males where they also appear stronger, margin broadly rounded, rays posterior to first 10 with distal margin straight, 27-31 anal fin rays (Ref. 91771). Scales cycloid with reticulate striae, scales extending anteriorly to operculum and pectoral fins; scales in lateral series 39-41; scales on caudal peduncle circumference, 11-12 (Ref. 91771). Caudal peduncle slender, subcylindrical entire length, usually 17.6-21.5% of standard length (Ref. 91771).

Coulour: No spot below dorsal fin origin (Ref. 91771). In preservation it is intense brown, with dark back, breast and belly lighter (Ref. 91771).