Adults are distinguished from all other Indian and Sri Lankan Puntius by possessing unique color pattern: a black blotch 2-3 scales wide starting on and above scale 6 or 7 of lateral line series; and another horizontally-elongate, black, tear-shaped blotch about 1 1/2 scales high commencing on lateral line slightly anterior to or above anal-fin origin, on about lateral-line scale row 13 and continuing to caudal fin base (Ref. 55036).

Description: Lateral line with 20, 21 or 22 pored scales, plus 2-3 pored scales on caudal fin base. Pectoral fin with one simple and 14 or 15 branched rays (Ref. 55036).