This species differs from Z. kafuensis, Z. kavangoensis, Z. monomotapa and Z. pallidus in the possession of a relatively broad premaxillary tooth patch with postero-lateral extensions, at least 45% of the mouth width; from Z. conspicuus in pigmentation, lacking the bold blotches; from Z. maravensis in having a longer adipose fin (4.2±0.4 in SL cf. 6.4±0.4 in SL) and the greater number of vertebrae (37-40 vs. 33-39) (Ref. 86935). The colour is generally similar to most other species of the genus, pale with dark brown blotches (Ref. 86935). Ground colour of preserved specimens yellowish, head marbled, a series of dark patches along the dorsal surface, the most prominent below the base of the dorsal; a series of about 11 small dark spots mid-laterally and a third series of about 7 spots ventro-laterally from the base of the pelvic fins to the caudal peduncle (Ref. 86935). Dorsal fin greyish, with a darker spot at the end of the spine; caudal with broad dark bar basally and a dark crescentic mark about mid length; pectoral fins often with greyish shading distally; barbels often greyish (Ref. 86935).