Description: Body relatively deep and compressed (Ref. 52193). Snout with red tubercles; mouth subterminal; lips papillose; a single pair of short barbels (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 3 unbranched and 11-13 branched rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5 branched rays; dorsal fin usually very large, with extended rays (Ref. 52193). Scales in lateral line 36-39, 16-18 around caudal peduncle (Ref. 26190, 52193).

Colouration: Juveniles silvery with large black spot on caudal peduncle (Ref. 52193). Adult colour variable but often very attractive, with bright green base, iridescent pinkish scales, and a bright green band on the body behind the gill cover; silvery white below, fins deep bluish grey (Ref. 52193).