This species is distinguished by the following characters: pectoral-fin rays 15-16; gill rakers 6 + 21-22; elongated body, depth 3.95-4.3 in SL; head length 2.9-3.05 in SL; interorbital space flat medially; snout length 2.05-2.3 in HL; posterior edge of maxilla symmetrically convex with maximum depth of maxilla 5.45-5.8 in HL; barbel length 1.35-1.45 in HL; the longest dorsal spine 1.8-1.95 in HL; pectoral fins 1.3-1.4 in HL; pelvic fins 1.5-1.65 in HL; colour of alcohol preserved specimens uniform tan except those from the Seychelles with areas of white ventrally on head below eye and on lower two/fifths of body; dark markings absent; translucent fins pale yellowish. Colour when fresh, pink dorsally, pale pink to white ventrally, with an indistinct pale yellow stripe along lateral line; some lateral-line scales with a bluish white dash; a bluish white line encircling ventral part of eye and continuing obliquely to upper lip; 3 small bluish white blotches dorsally on head, one directly above eye; barbels white; median and pelvic fins translucent blotchy yellow with small pale blue to whitish spots along rays that outline faint transverse yellowish bands (Ref. 82838).