Diagnosed from other species of Barbus and Luciobarbus in Balkan Peninsula by having the following combination of characters: last simple dorsal ray slender, spinous and serrated posteriorly along half to entire length; posterior margin of dorsal fin straight; lower lip thin, without median lobe in most individuals; thick lips with median lobe in some individuals; 48-55 + 2-3 scales on lateral line; 20-24 scales rows around caudal peduncle; and snout with large tubercles in large individuals (Ref. 59043).