Posterior neurocranium width 71.4-83.9% of cranium roof length; anterior neurocranium width 30.9-40.7 of cranium roof length; eye diameter 1.5-2.6 times in interorbital distance; supraorbital and infraorbital sensory cephalic canals disconnected (Ref. 52363). Diagnosed from its congeners in Black and Caspian Sea basin by the possession of the following characters: eye diameter 1.5-2.6 times in interorbital distance; predorsal scales with longitudinal epithelial crests; scale rows around caudal peduncle 12-16; dorsal fin with 7½ branched rays; anal fin with 6½ branched rays; anus closer to pelvic origin than to anal origin; greatest head width 59-72% of dorsal head length (Ref. 59043).