Diplodus cervinus omanensis is a compressed bream with a high back and extruding (sometimes yellow) mouth with thick lips. The body has a silver color with 4 wide, black vertical bands on its body and one through the eye. On the belly it has small triangular black markings – between the bands – that go up several cm. They are usually seen swimming in groups or solitary.

Unassessed by the IUCN Red list. It is an uncommon species with a limited habitat range.

Western Indian Ocean; South Oman and recently seen in Pakistan. They prefer open and turbid inshore water over rocky bottoms, to depths of at least 55 meters. The subspecies D. hottentotus is spread from South Mozambique to South Africa.

Diplodus cervinus omanensis reproduces between mangroves. Juveniles use the protection of the mangroves before they venture out into open water again.