Absence of an expanded upper tip of the cleithrum, a plesiomorphic condition that distinguishes this species from its congeners; anterior portion of supraorbital, postorbital and upper portion of preopercular canals closed; pelvic fin of males short, tip reaching base of third anal-fin ray; anal fin of males rounded and short, tip reaching a vertical through middle of dorsal-fin base; mesethmoid rounded; anterodorsal process of opercle short; ventral process of posttemporal elongate; branchiostegal rays 5; rostral cartilage present.