Head smooth above (Ref. 2988). Maxillary barbel reaching middle of adipose fin in the young and the end of the rayed dorsal in the adult; nasal barbel reaching anterior border of eye (Ref. 52301, Ref. 2988). External mandibular barbels reaching the branchial fissure; occipital processus reaching the interneural bone (Ref. 52301). Longest dorsal fin ray a little longer than head; distance between adipose and dorsal fin equals base of the latter; adipose fin twice as long as the distance between dorsal and adipose fin (Ref. 2988). Caudal fin forked, upper lobe slightly the longer (Ref. 52301, Ref. 2988). Pectoral spine very strong, prominent and strongly serrated (Ref. 36900) on inner side (Ref. 2988). Pelvic fins under last dorsal fin ray (Ref. 52301, Ref. 2988).

Coloration: reddish brown above, yellowish white beneath and the caudal fin dotted with black (Ref. 36900, Ref. 2988).