Together, these three species represent a recent adaptive radiation,[2] each having moved into a difference niche within their specialized environment.

Each of these species are defined by distinct trophic adaptations that have affected various aspects of their functional morphology,[3][4] behavior,[5] strike kinematics,[6] and reproductive coloration.

[7] Cyprinodon desquamator has enlarged adductor muscles, a small in-lever to out-lever ratio for rapidly closing its large lower jaw, and an elongated body for quickly performing scale-removing strikes on Cyprinodon and Gambusia species.

Breeding males display a distinctive coloration of slate gray to jet black pigmentation throughout body and fins, broken only by a speckling of metallic blue in the anterodorsal region.

Unlike most congeners, breeding males do not display any orange ventral coloration that is replaced by gray or black pigmentation.