Diagnosis: dorsal-fin base distinctly ahead of pelvic-fin insertions; predorsal distance rather

short (about 40% of standard length); interorbital space about 35% of head length; caudal-peduncle length 1.5-2 times its depth; length of maxillary barbel over 75% of head length; snout rather long and blunt, its length usually 50-55% of head length; branchiostegal membrane moderately notched on midventral line (Ref. 57128).

Description: head depressed; eyes small; nostrils positioned on anterior half of snout; barbels slender, usually slightly shorter than head; pectoral and pelvic fins broad; caudal fin forked, its lower lobe usually somewhat longer than upper lobe; urogenital papilla of males well developed, but short; 6+7 principal caudal fin rays (Ref. 57128).

Coloration: back usually brown, belly lighter; 2 horizontal light bands, one above, the other below lateral line; black line in front of eyes; specimens from Southeastern Guinea (Mt. Nimba) are distinctly brown-and-cream-spotted and belong to a different sub-species A. platychir marmoratus (Ref. 57128).