Diagnosis: parietal fontanella always present, also in adults, open; 5.5 scales above lateral line; 25-31 lateral line scales; 15-16 anal fin branched rays; 6/8 premaxillary teeth; 16-17 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch; gill rakers long (Ref. 2880, 81279).

Description: dorsal-fin origin at about the same level as pelvic-fin insertions; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 15-16 branched rays; six outer premaxillary teeth alined in a single row; equal jaws; sexual dimorphism in males as in Alestes species (Ref. 2880, 81279).

Colouration: Body with humeral spot and pre-caudal spot dark extending to hind margin of caudal-fin fork; body silvery, back dark yellowish , ventral zone white; fins except pectoral and ventrals (no color) yellow; these colours disappear after preservation, but dark band on sides from gill cover to caudal fin and broadening at about mid-length of body, becomes more apparent (Ref. 2880, 81279).