Distinguished from other species of the genus by having shallow body, with depth from slightly more (in large specimens) to slightly less than head length, and usually 36-38 lateral line scales (range 35-39). Diagnosed further by the following combination of characters (none of them unique to the species): uniform silvery body coloration with a crescentic dark mark on each scale pocket, more or less evident in preserved specimens; 9 branched anal-fin rays; and 11-12 total gill rakers (Ref. 55977). Differs from its congeners in Balkan Peninsula by the combination of the following characters: 34-37 + 2-3 scales along lateral line; anal fin with 9½ branched rays; 10-12 gill rakers; back humped behind nape; articulation of lower jaw in front of anterior margin of eye; eye not close to dorsal head profile when viewed laterally; and all fins greyish (Ref. 59043).