Advanced larval stages are generally dark brown dorsally, with dark markings on a somewhat lighter background; earlier stages are less darkly pigmented. Distinct dark blotches are present at the base of the tail. Young individuals bear a pair of whitish structures at the posterior end of the head region. Golden iridophores occur in patches dorsally and laterally, and to a lesser extent ventrally. In close-up view, a hatched pattern of pigment cells is evident. The ventral surface is semitranslucent to opaque, depending on developmental stage. The gut coil is visible, at least faintly, and more distinctly in early stages. In life, the abdominal skin shows a bluish-silvery iridescence, which is absent in preserved specimens. Buccal and gular regions are mostly translucent and weakly pigmented. Gills and heart are visible and red. Body coloration continues onto the muscular portion of the tail. Distally, the pattern breaks up into blotches and spots on both the muscular and fin portions of the tail. Myosepta, lateral line, and lateral tail vein are visible.