Belongs to the Puntius conchonius species group, distinguished from other members

of that group by having lateral line scale row running straight from head to caudal fin base instead of curved, and first branched dorsal fin ray more than twice as long as last branched dorsal fin ray. This is similar to syntopic species Puntius erythromycter in possession of dark band encircling caudal peduncle well posterior to base of anal fin, absence of

humeral mark, and possession of 10 (rarely 11) circumpeduncular scales. Differs from Puntius erythromycter by presence of short maxillary barbels (vs. absence), transverse scale count ½ 3/1/4½ (vs. ½ 4/1/3½ ), scales in lateral row 20-23 (vs. 18-20), lateral scale row running straight (vs. curved) from head to caudal fin, caudal peduncle blotch positioned on scales 18-20 or 19-20 (vs. 16-17, 16-18), last branched dorsal fin ray less than half length of first (vs. more than half length of first), and very short anal fin (12.1-16.4 vs. 17.1-22.0 % of SL). Can be differentiated from Puntius yuensis and Puntius ornatus, also with dark band around caudal peduncle, by presence of maxillary barbels (vs. absence), transverse scale count ½ 3/1/4½ (vs. ½ 4/1/3½ ), last branched dorsal fin ray less than half length of first (vs. more than half length of first), and lateral scale row running straight horizontal (vs. curved) (Ref. 75627).

Description: Dorsal fin iii,8, iv,8; Anal fin iii,5; Pectoral fin i11, i12; Pelvic fin i8 (Ref. 75627).