A member of the Crenicichla lacustris group distinguished from all other coastal south-eastern Brazilian species in color pattern. Lateral band continuous from orbit to caudal fin base; suborbital stripe short and narrow, occasionally restricted to a small spot at orbital margin; spots absent from side of head. The band and spotting about equally expressed although as in other species of the Crenicichla lacustris group, body and fin spots fewer and slightly lighter in females than in males of corresponding size. Differs from all members of the Crenicichla lacustris group, except Crenicichla iguassuensis, by absence of narrow vertical stripes; and distinguished from Crenicichla iguassuensis by lateral band continuous and by suborbital stripe short and narrow (Ref. 57632).