This species is distinguished from other Balkan species by its robust body, short and wide head, and absence of teeth on third pharyngobranchial. It differs from S. dentex and S. peristericus in having a wide interorbital (29.5-31.9 % of head length vs. 19.9-27.0 and 26.2-28.3, respectively); from S. farioides from Krka with body depth at the origin of the dorsal fin (26.0-29.4 % SL vs. 23.7-26.0% SL); from S. farioides from Evinos with its shorter head (23.3-24.7 % SL vs. 25.5-28.3 % SL) and from Mornos (25.3-28.1% SL). Colour pattern with large ocellated red spots and small dark spots along the flanks and absence of teeth on the third pharyngobranchial (shared with S. obtusirostris are diagnostic towards the remaining populations of S. farioides (Ref. 086829).