Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray denticulate on hind margin; gape of mouth not extending beyond vertical line from anterior eye margin; scale formula 3.5-4.5/25-28/3.5-4.5; 2.5-3 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 12 scales around caudal peduncle; 7-8 branched dorsal fin rays; anterior barbel not extending beyond centre of eye/reaching to, or extending beyond, posterior half of eye; posterior barbel extending beyond hind margin of eye; lateral line complete and straight to slightly depressed below dorsal fin; maximum reported size 117 mm SL (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Description: medium-sized with arched dorsal profile; mouth terminal, its angle not extending beyond a vertical line from anterior eye margin; two pairs of well-developed barbels; dorsal fin rather short, its outer margin straight, last simple dorsal-fin ray partly ossified, with series of denticulations on hind margin; gill rakers short; D:III,7(8); A:III,5; P:14-16; V:I,7 (Ref. 2940, 81282)

Coloration: back brown, belly yellowish; sides with black spots, very distinct in juveniles, but fading in large fish; usually 5-7 rounded, well aligned spots, first few above, last ones on lateral line; spot located at end of caudal peduncle being most distinct; small spots on middle of back and in front and below dorsal fin; fins colorless (Ref. 2940, 81282).