Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin; scale formula 4.5-5.5/26-32/4.5; 2.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 12 scales around caudal peduncle; lateral-line scales equal in size to the normal scales; 7 branched dorsal fin rays; one pair of short barbels, no anterior barbel, posterior barbel not reaching to anterior margin of eye; lateral line complete and slightly depressed below dorsal fin; maximum reported size 54 mm SL; black mid-lateral band terminating in small black spot at end of caudal peduncle; dorsal fin usually marked with black band (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Description: small species with nearly cylindrical body; mouth small, subterminal with one pair of very small barbels; lateral line rejoining mid-lateral line towards posterior end of caudal peduncle; in certain populations lateral line may be incomplete; D:III,7; A:III,5; P:12-14; V:I,7 (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Coloration: body silvery in life, with steel-blue reflections; dark longitudinal band along middle of sides ending in small round spot at end of caudal peduncle; upper half of dorsal fin often marked by oblique black band; in preserved specimens, dorsal scales are pigmented except at margins (Ref. 2940, 81282).