Diagnosis: length of caudal peduncle 0.6-0.9 times in its depth (Ref. 53405). Melanic areas in adult usually present on lower parts of head, on cleithrum and on apices of caudal and soft dorsal fins; occasional irregular and asymmetrical spots on flanks probably representing vertical bars; median spot or transverse bar on nape rather constant (Ref. 2).

Description: jaw teeth in 3-6 rows, outer row in upper jaw with 46-100 bicuspid teeth; outer jaw teeth bicuspid; inner jaw teeth tricuspid; lower pharyngeal bone long and narrow, its toothed part with fine, bicuspid teeth; micro-gillrakers present; scales cycloid (Ref. 53405).

Coloration: in life: ground colour pale opalescent blue, each scale with darker or golden spot at base; 2-3 scale rows on back iridescent yellow; gill cover transparent in mature females, gills shining through and giving a purple appearance; chin, opercle and part of subopercle metallic golden in mature males; deep black spots on lower jaw, branchiostegal membrane, underside of head, above eye, on neck, cleithrum (from upper end to below pectoral-fin bases), and often 1-2 on sides; these often asymmetric spots darker and larger in mature males, but absent in juveniles; dorsal and anal fins with more or less distinct spots against iridescent greenish background; soft parts of fins often black-edged in mature individuals; caudal fin translucent, colourless or mauve, with deep-black angles; pectoral fins colourless, pelvics dark with white margin; "tilapian" spot present in juveniles, but disappears at sizes of 50mm SL (Ref. 53405).