Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin; scale formula 3.5/22-25/3.5; 2.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 10 scales around caudal peduncle; 8 branched dorsal fin rays; two pairs of short barbels; anterior barbel not reaching to anterior margin of eye/not extending beyond centre of eye; posterior barbel not extending beyond centre of eye/reaching to, or extending beyond, posterior half of eye; lateral line complete and slightly depressed below dorsal fin; maximum reported size 56 mm SL; no black spot on dorsal fin; narrow, dark lateral band along sides; lateral line scales with dark margin (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Description: medium-sized species; lines of cephalic pores well visible on head; D: III,8; A: III,5 (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Coloration: black longitudinal line on sides, running from eye to end of caudal peduncle; lateral-line scales, as well as those on back and in series below lateral line, marked with crescent-shaped bar of melanophores, more evident on lateral line; simple dorsal-fin rays strongly pigmented and distal third of fin greyish (Ref. 2940, 81282).