Diagnosis: lower pharyngeal jaw robust, with a large, heart-shaped dentigerous plate, covered with numerous fine, regularly arrayed teeth; mouth squared and obtuse (Ref. 81260). Lips broad and fleshy; ventral margin of lower lip folded and fringed (Ref. 26738, 81260). Fine buccal dentition of slender, movably implanted, spatulate teeth, 25-45 in outer premaxillary row (Ref. 26738).

Description: moderately deep-bodied species with slightly thickened lips (Ref. 52307). Head length 33.2-36.6% SL; lower pharyngeal jaw with tricuspid anterior teeth and erect bicuspid teeth in posterior row; ventral keel shorter than dentigerous plate; 4-6 tooth rows in upper jaw, outer row teeth bicuspid (Ref. 81260).

Coloration: in life greenish grey dorsally, becoming whitish grey on chest and belly; upper lip dark grey, lower lip brilliant white (Ref. 52307, 81260). Turquoise iridescence on lower lip continuing in band along cheek and base of opercle; dorsal fin yellowish green with yellow lappets; "Tilapia spot" variously developed; caudal, anal, pelvic and pectoral fins dusky grey; faint reddish flecks on opercle and anal fin (Ref. 81260). Some specimens exhibit a bright yellow coloration (at least when spawning) (Ref. 52307).