Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin; scale formula 3.5/24-28/3.5; 2-2.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 9-10 scales around caudal peduncle; lateral-line scales slightly deeper than other scales on sides; 8 branched dorsal fin rays; two pairs of barbels; anterior barbel not reaching to anterior margin of eye/not extending beyond centre of eye; posterior barbel reaching to, or extending beyond, posterior half of eye/extending beyond hind margin of eye; lateral line weakly depressed below dorsal fin and incomplete; maximum reported size 29 mm SL; no black spot on dorsal fin; rather faint black longitudinal band on sides (sometimes absent) (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Description: body moderately compressed, dorsal profile convex; mouth subterminal; usually, only first lateral-line scales pored, but some individuals may have almost complete lateral line; first gill arch with only 3 rudimentary gill rakers; D: III,8; A: III,5 (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Coloration: sides almost uniformly light, with narrow and diffuse longitudinal band extending from gill cover to caudal fin; snout with black bar; anterior margin of dorsal fin pigmented (Ref. 2940, 81282).