This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: spinous first dorsal fin ray weakly serrated, more distinct near tip of ray; pelvic fin rays 7-10, usually 8-9; gill rakers first arch (outer/inner) 8-12/14-18; large barbel, its length 20-30% HL; short snout length 16-26% HL; very narrow suborbital 4-8% HL; upper jaw length 43-52% HL; a row of enlarged melanophores along lateral mid-line of the tail; cylindrical body (Ref. 97189).