Diagnosed from other species of the Alburnus mento species group by having 15-17½ branched anal-fin rays and 21-25 gill rakers; and the ventral keel exposed for 8-12 scales in front of the anus; up to almost 90% of the distance between the anus and the pelvic-fin base (Ref. 75106). Differs also from its congeners in Black Sea basin by the following characters: origin of anal fin about 1½ -2½ scales behind last dorsal ray; lateral line with 52-65 + 4 scales; anal fin with 15-17½ branched rays; 21-25 gill rakers; ventral keel exposed for 8-12 scales in front of anus (up to almost 90% of distance between anus and pelvic fin base); caudal peduncle depth 1.8-2.4 times in its length; and nuptial males with numerous small tubercles (Ref. 59043).