Diagnosis: Last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin; scale formula 3.5/23-28/3.5; 2.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 12 scales around caudal peduncle; 8 branched dorsal fin rays; two unequal pairs of barbels; anterior barbel not reaching to anterior margin of eye; posterior barbel not extending beyond centre of eye/reaching to, or extending beyond, posterior half of eye; lateral line complete and straight or slightly depressed below dorsal fin; maximum reported size 70 mm SL; tip of dorsal fin black and dark longitudinal band along middle of sides (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Description: Medium-sized species (Ref. 81282). Dorsal profile slightly convex; snout pointed, mouth subterminal; lines of cephalic pores well visible on head (Ref. 81282). Dorsal fin with 3 unbranched and 8 branched rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5 branched rays; pectoral fin with 14-16 rays; pelvic fin with 1 unbranched and 7 branched rays (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Colouration: Live specimens are greenish-brown on back, silvery on sides and pale on belly; black longitudinal band runs along middle of sides and continues forward unto snout; dorsal and caudal fins orange, other fins yellow-orange; black spot at tip of dorsal fin, variable in size with populations, extending over upper third of fin or more reduced (Ref. 2940, 81282). In preserved specimens, lateral-line scales on back, lined with melanophores (Ref. 2940, 81282).