Description: very deep-bodied; head large; mouth large and strongly inclined; head profile with kink directly above the large eyes; 1st ray of pelvic fin elongated; caudal fin slightly rounded to truncate (Ref. 52307).

Coloration: body and fins gray to brownish-gray, except for the pectoral fins which are transparent; fins (especially caudal fin) sometimes with rows of dark and light spots; some diffuse dark spots and blotches of various sizes on body as well as 2 longitudinal stripes; dark spot in dorsal fin (tilapia-spot) occasionally present (Ref. 52307).