Diagnosis: length of caudal peduncle 0.6-0.9 times in its depth (Ref. 53405). Lower pharyngeal teeth a little coarser, dentigerous area slightly more gibbous and/or with more rounded lobes than in other subspecies (Ref. 2). Black spots usually present on head and body (Ref. 53405).

Description: outer jaw teeth bicuspid, inner jaw teeth tricuspid, posterior teeth on pharyngeal bone bicuspid; anterior part of lower pharyngeal bone very elongate; micro-gillrakers present; scales cycloid (Ref. 53405).

Coloration: melanin pattern in adult variable, including variable but not extensive black patches on lower parts of head nor black tips to caudal and soft dorsal fins; sometimes 4-7 black vertical bands of irregular shape on the flanks, but these usually not well developed; a small spot above the pectorals may be present (Ref. 2).

Coloration: in life: ground colour nacreous-blue, darker posteriorly; lower part of head and belly white; nape, top of head and snout purple; fins mauve, changing to pink on soft part of dorsal; lower lip white; sometimes traces of cross bars present on sides (Ref. 53405). Young individuals: silvery, with unpaired fins greyish or transparent; dorsal fin black-edged, covered with light spots and 1-3 irregular dark spots at base of soft part; some black vertical bars occasionally present on sides (Ref. 53405).