Diagnosis: 3 black blotches on sides, the first on opercle, the second at midpoint of body, the third on caudal-fin base; upper profile of snout convex or straight (Ref. 53405).

Description: body ovoid; lower jaw scarcely prominent in large individuals; outer and inner jaw teeth monocuspid, inner teeth forming an incomplete row on upper jaw and 2 incomplete rows (only medially) in lower jaw; pharyngeal jaw teeth bicuspid; micro-gillrakers present; scales cycloid (Ref. 53405).

Coloration: ground colour olive-brown, with 3 black blotches on either side, first on gill cover, third on caudal-fin base; head with yellow or blue spots forming bands on cheeks and opercular region (sometimes continuing unto sides); opercular spot with green margin; lips and chin reddish; dorsal fin red-edged, with light submarginal band; anal fin light anteriorly, reddish posteriorly; proximal part of caudal fin yellowish, distal part bright red; upper margin of caudal fin red, with light submarginal band; pectorals transparent, hyaline or yellow; pelvics light, their anterior margin red or black (Ref. 53405).