Generally dark brown dorsally. At closer inspection, the body shows dark brown mottling and indistinct spots on a lighter brown background. On the flanks, the pattern may partially reverse into light spots on a dark background, forming a distinct high-contrast pattern; this varies among populations. Ventrally, the coloration transitions through a narrow gradient into a whitish venter. The ventral side is white to silvery in the abdominal region but finely pigmented in the gular and branchial areas. The dotted flank pattern may extend ventrally onto the anterior abdomen. Oral disc mostly unpigmented. Viscera are covered; neither gut coils nor gills are clearly visible through the skin. The marbling of the trunk continues onto the tail with decreasing contrast and intensity. Spots are mainly on the muscular part of the tail but extend proximally onto the fins. Lower fin clearer than upper fin. Caudal blood vessels inconspicuous.