This species is distinguished from other related species in the Black Sea basin by the following characters: pelvic disc 80-100% of distance between its origin and anus; cycloid scales completely cover predorsal area and nape; pelvic disc fraenum with angular lobes, fraenum length 1/6-1/2 of its width at base; scales in midlateral series 58-70 + 2-4; snout length 1.3-1.5 times in eye diameter; first branched ray of second dorsal about as long as penultimate ray; posterior part of first dorsal without black spot (Ref. 59043).