This species is distinguished from related Black Sea basin inhabitants by the following : 75-95 % of its length is between its origin and anus; ctenoid scales completely cover the predorsal area and nape; pelvic disc scales 68-72 + 3-4, a snout length 1.5-2.0 times its eye diameter, that its first branched ray of second dorsal is about as long as penultimate ray and that the posterior part of first dorsal is without a black spot.
