Diagnosis: 15-20 rakers on lower limb of first arch; 30-32 scales in lateral line (Ref. 81260). Body dark grey or green (Ref. 2, 81260). Head large, especially in adults (Ref. 2), its length 37-45% of standard length (Ref. 81260). Jaw teeth very small (Ref. 81260). Breeding males green; intense tilapia-mark present in young until about 10 cm SL, absent above 15 cm SL; as the gonads mature the lower parts of the head and the flanks become more metallic and green; most brooding females silver grey in general color; fins mainly of a neutral color; pelvic fins may be yellow (Ref. 2).

Description: body relatively slender; eyes large; adults with a pointed, specially-shaped snout ("saddle-nose"); juveniles deeper bodied with a more ovoid shape (Ref. 52307). Lower pharyngeal jaw with unicuspid anterior and posterior teeth; ventral keel elongate, longer than dentigerous plate; 3-6 rows of teeth in oral jaws, outer row teeth bicuspid in juveniles and females, unicuspid in adult males (Ref. 81260).

Coloration: base body color greenish, sometimes with black spots and blotches ventrally; fins generally with neutral color, but pelvics may be yellow; juveniles silvery, with very distinct "tilapia spot" in soft dorsal fin, but these are not present in adults (Ref. 81260). 2 short vertical bars may sometimes be visible in middle of body; rarely, pelvic fins in both sexes will appear reddish, as will some parts of belly and origin of anal fin (Ref. 52307).