This species is distinguished by the following characters: 15 or 16 pectoral-fin rays; 6 or 7 + 21-23 gill rakers; moderately elongate body, depth 3.6-3.85 in SL; head length 2.85-2.95 in SL; interorbital space flat medially; snout length 1.9-2.05 in HL; interorbital space flat medially; maxilla symmetrically rounded posteriorly; depth of maxilla 5.05-5.3 in HL; barbel length 1.35-1.45 in HL; longest dorsal spine 1.85-2.0 in HL; pectoral fins 1.35-1.4 in HL; pelvic fins 1.5-1.6 in HL. Color in alcohol pale tan, scale edges a little darker; a faint orangish brown stripe following lateral line; no dark spot on eighth lateral-line scale; fins are translucent pale yellowish; when fresh light yellowish grey dorsally, the scale edges narrowly red, grading to silvery grey below, the red edges of scales progressively fainter ventrally; head broadly red dorsally, grading to silvery white on cheek and operculum; white barbels; three large deep pink to red spots on caudal fin, one in each lobe and one at midbase of fin (Ref. 82838).