The following unique characters distinguished this species from its congeners in Balkan Peninsula: a dark midlateral stripe in juveniles less than about 7 cm SL and 37- 42 + 2-3 scales along the lateral line. Can be further separated from other species of the genus in Balkan Peninsula by the combination of the following characters: anal fin usually with 10½ branched rays; 13-16 pectoral rays; 12-17 gill rakers; dorsal head profile conspicuously concave, snout pointing upward, tip above level of middle of eye; eye close to or flush with dorsal head profile when viewed laterally; articulation of lower jaw in front of eye margin; and head length 24-30% SL (Ref. 59043).