Diagnosis: dense black band of coloration in dorsal fin membrane (Ref. 81260).

Description: body depth 34.9-37.6% SL; head length 33.6-37.9% SL; caudal peduncle deeper than long; some dorsal and anal fin rays elongated; caudal rounded in both sexes (Ref. 81260).

Coloration: body brown, paler ventrally; stressed individuals often with 2 horizontal stripes on flanks; occasionally 4-5 large, bar-like blotches are visible on the body, but these never extend over entire flank; dorsal fin and upper part of caudal with red margin; females with chrome-colored region on soft dorsal, sometimes upper third of caudal also chrome-colored; broad, black submarginal band in dorsal fin; in females black band runs most of fin length, in males it is restricted to a zone between spinous and soft rays; males sometimes with some rows of small maculae on caudal fin; juveniles and sometimes adults with a distinct "tilapia spot" on soft dorsal, but in most adults this is obscured by the broad black submarginal band; cheek and opercle with bluish to green iridescent flush; lower lips whitish gray; belly of ripe females with rosy coloration (Ref. 81260).