This species is distinguished from all its congeners by the following characters: venter keeled from mid-point of chest, between the posterior base of the pectoral fin and along the abdomen up to the anus, and possessing 11½-12½ (vs. 7-9) branched anal-fin rays; differs further from C. morar and C. ukhrulensis by possessing more lateral-line scales 45-51 (vs. 38-42 in C. morar and 35–37 in C. ukhrulensis), more predorsal scales 20-23 (vs. 17-18 in C. morar and 14 in C. ukhrulensis) and more lateral transverse scales ½7/1/3½ (vs. 5/1/2 in both C. morar and C. ukhrulensis); differs from C. jaya in having fewer lateral-line scales 45-51 (vs. 52-60), more lateral transverse scales ½7/1/3½ (vs. 5/1/3) and more pharyngeal tooth-rows 3 (vs. 2). Colouration: dorsum is brownish, lighter towards flank; lower half of body and belly silvery or pale white; caudal fin hyaline with black pigment distally, while other fins are hyaline without markings (Ref. 120895).