This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XI-XII, 10-12; A III, 8-9; scale rows between the fifth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 3.5; cheek scale rows 3-4; body rounded; ventral infraorbital series above posterior part of upper jaw changing with growth from almost straight to weakly concave; second anal-fin spine robust and dull pointed; upper and lower jaws with thin lips,
especially anteriorly; broadly rounded rostral-most head squamation with ca. 10 somewhat smaller scales anteriorly; with growth, prominent ridge developing just before eye and dorsal head profile becoming slightly convex from snout to just above eye; upper and lower molar teeth strongly developed and
flattened on both sides, gradually more molariform posteriorly; upper molars in 3 or 4 rows anteriorly and 4 or 5 posteriorly, rows generally irregular, outer third row distinctly larger; lower molars in 3 or 4 rows anteriorly and 2 or 3 rows posteriorly, rows generally irregular, with innermost row largest posteriorly (outer second row gently curved outward); colour of head and body mostly black, sharply demarcated from whitish belly and chin; a dark spot at top of pectoral-fin base (Ref. 57874).
Description: Differs from Acanthopagrus berda in having a more rounded body; broadly rounded anteriormost head squamation with around 10 somewhat smaller scales anteriorly; 3 or 4 cheek scale rows; thin upper and lower lips; older individuals with a ridge on dorsal profile in front of eye and upper profile of head evenly convex; head and body black with sharply contrasting white area ventrally; a dark spot at upper base of pectoral fins; and flat molar teeth (Ref. 57874).
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