Diagnosis: distinguished from all other Salmo species and archaic trouts by the combination of contrasting black and white leading edges on dorsal and anal fins and the absence of dark spots on the sides of the body; high number of dorsal fin pterygiophores (14-16): high number of gill rakers (19-23); large unpaired fins (Ref. 55619).
Description: mouth terminal or slightly inferior; maxilla plus supramaxilla long and thin with convex to straight upper margin, usually extending to vertical through posterior margin of orbit, slightly longer in males; vomerine longitudinal tooth row extending to posterior edge of vomer; glossohyal with 5 pairs of strong teeth; body variable in depth, most specimens rather slender; fins large with acute tips; pectoral fin appendage present; caudal fin with 14 upper and 13 lower procurrent rays in addition to 19 principal rays; 2 epurals, 4-5 expanded neural spines (Ref. 55619).
Coloration: overall dark coloration including different shades of brown and tint of green; dark violet parr marks (10-11) on side of body; sides of body ventrally lighter, from dusky yellow to dusky white; dorsal and anal fins with distinct white leading edges, followed by black; dorsal fin with numerous small black spots; side of head sometimes with single dark postocular blotch (Ref. 55619).