Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin; scale formula 3.5/24-26/4.5; 2.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 12 scales around caudal peduncle; 8 branched dorsal fin rays; two long and unequal pairs of barbels; anterior barbel reaching to, or extending beyond, posterior half of eye/extending beyond hind margin of eye; posterior barbel extending beyond hind margin of eye; lateral line complete and weakly depressed below dorsal fin; maximum reported size 80 mm SL; well defined black spot on upper sides, at midpoint of distance between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin, and 3 large spots aligned along middle of sides; 2 dark bands on anterior part of body (1 above and one below lateral line) (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Description: dorsal profile usually depressed behind head; D: III,8; A: III,5 (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Coloration: back dark, belly light; 4 large, rounded black spots on sides: 1st on first lateral scales, 2nd above axis of other 3 and below dorsal-fin origin, 3rd behind vertical line from last dorsal-fin ray, 4th at end of caudal peduncle; dark band above and below lateral line, extending over 8-12 scales on anterior part of body; dorsal fin with small black spots, particularly at tips of 4th and 5th branched rays; unpaired fins reddish-orange in life, paired fins orange-pink (Ref. 2940, 81282).