General appearance variable: brown, gray, or greenish dorsally, sometimes (in at least one population) with orange hues or scattered black spots. The flanks gradually transition from darker pigmentation dorsally to lighter coloration ventrally. Ventral head and belly opaque white in background color, but finely stippled with melanophores and sometimes also yellow pigments. The dark pigmentation of the trunk continues caudally onto the tail, where light spots (sometimes yellow) or blotches add to the pattern. Diffuse pigmentation particularly present in the proximal upper fin; melanocyte dusting or reticulation may occur in the fins, predominantly in the proximal part of the tail. Lateral tail vein visible but often indistinct. Oral disc and papillae stippled with melanocytes in advanced stages.