 "Alburnus belvica" is distinctive from its congeners in its possession of a higher number of gill rakers, 29-32 compared to a maximum of 26 in most "Alburnus" species and also By the larger number of scales in the lateral line, 52-57 compared to 54.In Lake Prespa this species can attain a total length of .The populations of "A. belvica" are increasing in both Lake Prespa and Small Lake Prespa despite the threats of water pollution, overfishing, and water extraction.