Distinguished from all other Southeast Asian and Chinese congeners, except Garra gravelyi by having a snout with a poorly developed proboscis that is represented by a truncate area in front of the nostrils. Differs from Garra gravelyi by possessing 36-37 perforated lateral line scales, 2 1/2 scales above the lateral line, 10-11 predorsal scales, a broadly rounded snout, and absence of black spots at the base of the branched dorsal-fin rays. Has a color pattern consisting of an indistinct mid-lateral band with a few incomplete narrow longitudinal stripes above and below the mid-lateral band, more distinct on the caudal peduncle; and a black spot at the dorsal of the gill opening (Ref. 57645).

Description: Dorsal fin iv,8; Anal fin iii,5; Pectoral fin i,13-15; Pelvic fin i,8 (Ref. 57645).