Diagnosed from other species of the Characidae by having the pelvic bones firmly attached

through the isquiatic processes. Further differs from other characids by the possession of the following characters: nearly triangular hiatus in the musculature covering the anterior chamber of the swim bladder between the first and second pleural ribs; the pedunculate, notably expanded and distally compressed teeth in both jaws; circumorbital series represented by antorbital and four infraorbital bones with laterosensory canals not enclosed; a single tooth row in the premaxillary with the teeth perfectly aligned and similar in shape and cusp number; the first three branched dorsal-fin rays distinctly elongate in males; a bright red adipose and caudal fins in life; a conspicuous dark midlateral stripe extending from the opercle to the tip of the median caudal-fin rays; and by the absence of a humeral spot (Ref. 93035).