Brown dorsally; under close inspection, dark brown and yellow marbling is discernible. Scattered bronze pigment cells may be present on the cheeks, lateral gill region, and lateral trunk. Along the flanks, dark pigmentation gradually fades toward the venter; ventral skin transparent. Gills, heart, and gut coils clearly visible. The muscular tail marbled dark brown, sometimes with yellow pigment cells along the proximal dorsal tail musculature. Marbling extends onto the tail fins, more prominently on the upper fin than on the lower fin, the latter mostly clear. In the proximal half of the tail, the lateral vein usually visible. Metamorphosing specimens develop beige spots at the knees and limb joints.