Diagnosis: Zaireichthys heterurus is distinguished from all other species of Zaireichthys by the presence of only 5 principal rays in the lower lobe of the caudal fin (Ref. 86935). The species has, like Zaireichthys zonatus a broad dark collar immediately posterior to head; larger specimens become stouter, more than any other leptoglanin species (Ref. 86935).

Description: Head broadly rounded; eyes small; barbels attenuate, maxillary barbel extending posteriorly almost to end of pectoral fin spine (Ref. 51287). Number of principal caudal fin rays: 7+5; caudal fin deeply forked, upper lobe much shorter and smaller, and falcate, lower lobe rounded; fin rays in lower lobe noticeable thicker than those in upper lobe (Ref. 51287). Caudal peduncle moderately slender (Ref. 51287). Humeral process moderately long and stout but not denticulated (Ref. 51287).

Colouration: Colour pattern spotted, with a broad dark collar immediately posterior to the head (Ref. 51287).