These small sunfishes have 36 to 43 lateral line scales. The dorsal fin contains 10 to 12 rays while the anal fin has three spines and nine or 10 rays. The mouth is small, with the upper jaw failing to reach the front of the eye. Teeth are lacking on the palatine bone. The short, rounded pectoral fin has 13 to 14 rays and does not reach the nostril when bent forward. The cheek has five to six rows of scales. The ear flap is elongate, especially on breeding males, and has a light margin. The back and sides are usually olive to brown, becoming yellowish orange on the venter. Breeding males have numerous metallic blue spots on the back and sides and wavy blue longitudinal lines on the head. The venter becomes brassy orange, as do the interradial membranes on all vertical fins. Adult size: 5 to 7 inches.