Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin; scale formula 2.5/21-25/2.5; 1.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 8 scales around caudal peduncle; lateral-line scales distinctly deeper than other, particularly below dorsal fin; 8 branched dorsal fin rays; anterior barbel not reaching to anterior margin of eye; posterior barbel reaching to, or extending beyond, posterior half of eye; lateral line complete and slightly depressed below dorsal fin; maximum reported size 33 mm SL (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Description: very small species slightly compressed body, straight dorsal profile; mouth subterminal; cephalic pores poorly developed, but visible on cheeks; two pairs of rather long barbels; lateral line rejoining mid-lateral line above anal fin; morphologically closely related to B. pleurophollis, the latter mainly found in Chad and Congo basins; D:III,8; A:III,5 (Ref. 2940, 81282)

Coloration: body silvery in life; scales black-edged; unpaired fins tinged with light to bright pink in males; dorsal fin greyish in females; no distinct band or spots on body (Ref. 2940, 81282).