Moapa coriacea is distinguished by its leatherlike skin resulting from having many small embedded scales, large black spot on caudal-fin base, fairly slender body, dorsal fin origin over or slightly behind pelvic origin, long rounded snout, slightly subterminal mouth, complete or incomplete lateral line with 69-79 scales, 8 anal rays (often 7), pharyngeal teeth 0,5-4,0. Color consists of olive above, broad dusky stripe along back, cream spot at dorsal fin origin, green-brown blotches along upper side, turquoise stripe above dark gold-brown stripe alongside (faint at front) Ref. 86798).