Melanotaenia senckenbergianus is distinguished by the following combination of characters: IV-VI-I,11-15 (usually VVI- I,12-13) dorsal-fin rays; I,20-23 (rarely 23) anal-fin rays; 13-15 (usually 14) pectoral-fin rays; 34-36 scales on lateral line; 16-19 (rarely 19) predorsal scales; 15-24 (average 19.6) cheek scales; 17-18 total gill rakers on first arch; greatest body depth of adult male 35.9 % SL; color in life generally greenish brown dorsally, grading to silvery white to pale yellow ventrally

with midlateral, dark blue stripe, 1-2 scale rows wide, extending from rear margin of eye to caudalfin

base, usually faint or interrupted on middle of side; operculum with prominent red spot, smaller

than pupil (Ref. 110723).