Distinguished by the rather deep, compressed body, the large scales, and the three spines in the anal fin (Ref. 27547). Lateral line slightly arched, complete (Ref. 27547). Generally silvery, with back dusky to greenish; middle of sides toward head are scales with groups of fine black dots on them, forming about eight longitudinal stripes; the stripes are often interrupted, especially in females, by three pale yellow, vertical bands; paired fins colorless; dorsal and caudal fins plain or dusky; anal fin usually colorless, sometimes with a yellow blotch toward the front (Ref. 27547). Breeding males may be almost solid black and develop fleshy lobes on both sides of anal fin (Ref. 27547).