Diagnosis: lower pharyngeal jaw robust and of moderate size, with a large, heart-shaped dentigerous plate, covered with numerous fine, regularly arrayed teeth (Ref. 26738, 81260). Mouth not squared or obtuse (Ref. 81260). Ventral margin of lower lip smooth; ratio of lower jaw length to lower jaw width < 1; oral jaw teeth slender, movably implanted with spatulate crowns (Ref. 26738, 81260). 11-13 gill rakers on first arch (Ref. 26738).

Description: straight to slightly rounded frontal profile; jaws short; lips not thickened (Ref. 52307). Head length 33.9-35.1% SL; lower pharyngeal jaw with curved tricuspid anterior teeth and bicuspid posterior teeth; ventral keel shorter than dentigerous plate; 3-4 rows of teeth in upper jaw, outer row teeth unicuspid or bicuspid (Ref. 81260).

Coloration: body brown to dark brown, with lower body parts reddish to red (Ref. 52307). In life, breeding individuals generally yellow with faint vertical barring (Ref. 52307, 81260), chin (Ref. 81260), belly (Ref. 52307, 81260), anal and pelvic fins (Ref. 52307) black. Lower lobe of anal fin black (Ref. 81260).