Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin (Ref. 81282). Bones of suborbital series elongated; scale formula 3.5/26-28/4.5; 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 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 straight; maximum reported size 79 mm SL; usually 4 to 5 spots on sides (Ref. 35810, 81282). Large eyes, 31.8-41.1% of head length (Ref. 35810).

Description: dorsal profile straight or slightly convex; rounded snout (Ref. 35810, 81282). Small-sized species; dorsal-fin insertion slightly ahead or at the same level of pelvic fins; last simple dorsal-fin ray slightly ossified for about half of its inferior part (Ref. 35810). D: III,8; A: III,5; P:12-13; V: II,7 (Ref. 81282).

Coloration: body light brown; 4-5 midlateral, black spots on lateral line; fins colorless (Ref. 35810; 81282). First spot just before vertical line from dorsal-fin origin, the others between end of dorsal fin and end of caudal peduncle; 6th spot, beneath middle of dorsal fin, may be observed in some individuals; last two spots are located on lateral line, the others above the lateral line (Ref. 35810).