Diagnosis: lower pharyngeal bone about as long as broad, and with anterior lamella shorter than toothed area; median pharyngeal teeth broadened when compared to the lateral teeth; 5-6 series of scales on cheeks; 4.5-6 scales between first dorsal fin spine and upper lateral line; dark vertical bars broader than lighter inter-spaces (Ref. 53405).
Description: body deep, its depth 44.4-52.2% of standard length; outer jaw teeth bicuspid, outer jaw teeth and posterior pharyngeal teeth tricuspid; micro-gillrakers present; scales cycloid (Ref. 53405).
Coloration: ground colour yellowish-grey, with 7-8 broad, oblique (forward-directed) brownish-black bars, broader than light spaces between them and extending unto belly; 1st bar at level of eye, last on caudal peduncle; pectoral fins transparent, other fins brownish-black; pelvic fins with light anterior margin (Ref. 53405). Young: blackish area on chin; vertical bars on dorsal fin matching bars on sides of body which are less oblique than in adults; much darker bar at level of "tilapian" spot, reaching spinous part of anal fin, following bar (1st on caudal peduncle) extending unto soft parts of dorsal and anal fins; caudal fin with vertical bar at base and another at centre (Ref. 53405).
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