Diagnosis: dorsal-fin base distinctly ahead of pelvic-fin insertions; distance from head to dorsal fin less than 20% of standard length; interorbital space about 35% of head length; caudal-peduncle long and relatively slender, its length over twice its depth, ; caudal fin forked, with lower lobe distinctly longer than upper lobe; maxillary barbell rather short, less than 60% of head length; snout length about 60% of head length; branchiostegal membrane weakly notched on midventral line (Ref. 57128).

Description: short and depressed head ending in a rather long snout; eyes positioned near posterior end of head; mouth subterminal and rather narrow, its width slightly more than half the head width; barbels rather short, maxillary pair reaching to eye; pectoral and pelvic fins broad and well developed; adipose fin short and rounded; a well developed, crenulated fringe at base of caudal fin; 6+7 principal caudal fin rays (Ref. 57128).

Coloration: back normally dark brown or black, with up to 5 lighter cross-bars (Ref. 57128).