BéarlaDiagnosis: mouth small; 3 full rows of scales on cheek (Ref. 2, 53405). Preorbital bone deep; toothed area of lower pharyngeal bone heart-shaped with slender, bevelled teeth with no minor cusp (Ref. 2). Caudal fin strongly emarginated (Ref. 53405). Fold of skin above upper lip bright yellow in life; margins of dorsal, caudal and anal fins black (Ref. 2).
Description: outer jaw teeth bicuspid, inner jaw teeth tricuspid, posterior teeth on pharyngeal bone bicuspid; micro-gillrakers present; scales cycloid (Ref. 53405).
Coloration: in life: sides silvery with yellow-orange spot on each scale; lower part of head white; skin above upper lip light yellow; dorsal, anal and caudal fins black-edged; "tilapian" spot on dorsal fin present in young individuals, but smaller and more irregular than that of S. occidentalis (Ref. 53405).