Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin (Ref. 81282). Scale formula 3.5/23-25/4.5; 2.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 9 scales around caudal peduncle; 8 branched dorsal fin rays; two pairs of well-developped, long and unequal barbels; 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; maximum reported size 46 mm SL; numerous dark spots on sides, distinct or coalesced (Ref. 35810, 81282). Narrow intraorbital; large eyes, 34.6-53.5% of head length (Ref. 35810).

Description: dorsal profile slightly convex, with pointed head (Ref. 35810, 81282). Small-sized species; dorsal-fin insertion slightly ahead or at the same level of pelvic fins; inferior third of last dorsal-fin ray slightly ossified (Ref. 35810). D: III,8; A: III,5; P:12-14; V: II,7 (Ref. 81282).

Coloration: preserved specimens rather pale; 4-6 midlateral dark spots, more or less distinct, slightly above or close to lateral line; first spot well in front of vertical of origin of dorsal fin; spots sometimes distinct (especially in juveniles), but may be confluent in some cases, so that there is only dark lateral band on flanks (Ref. 35810, 81282). Fins colorless (Ref. 35810).