A distinctive fish with a relatively deep body, deep coppery colour with 3 or 4 vertical pale bands and a long chin barbel. Adults are between 20-30 cm long, sometimes reaching a maximum of 45 cm in length. Trisopterus luscus has three dorsal fins set close together, the first dorsal fin being characteristically pointed when in an upright position. There are also 2 anal fins, the first has its origin under the middle of the first dorsal fin. At the base of the pectoral fin is a black mark, approximately the size of the eye. The pelvic fins are long and flexible. The upper jaw is longer than the lower jaw. Older, adult individuals may be completely dark brown, having lost their banding.Trisopterus luscus may be confused with Trisopterus minutus (poor cod). However, Trisopterus minutus can be distinguished by its plain colour and narrower body. The haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus is another similar looking species as it also has a pointed first dorsal fin, however it is differently coloured and has a shorter chin barbel.