Diagnosed from other species of Valenciidae, Fundulidae and Cyprinodontidae in Europe by the following characters: male with caudal yellow to orange, with reddish-brown posterior margin; spots organized into 4-7 vertical rows; dorsal and anal fins of adult males reaching caudal fin; 28-29 scales in midlateral series on body; anal fin usually with 12-13 rays; pectoral fin with 13-14 rays; male bluish to greyish, with numerous very narrow darker bars, not always distinct anteriorly, iridescent spots absent (Ref. 59043).