Diagnosis: labial disk moderately developed, almost circular and not papillose, only with some weak swellings, much more subtle than those observed in other West African species; outer pair of mandibular barbels much longer than inner pair; inner auxiliary barbels absent; all teeth simple, long and straight (sometimes slightly S-shaped), those on premaxillary plates set in 2 rows; mandibular teeth, initially believed to be absent or rudimentary, in fact small and numerous, and arranged in 1-2 regular rows along entire rim of mouth; eye moderately developed; caudal fin slightly forked, with rounded lobes, lower lobe better developed than upper (Ref. 57223).

Coloration: 3 dark vertical bars on sides, separated by wide lighter areas; some individuals with narrow dark vertical bar at base of caudal fin, but rest of fin-surface uniformly coloured (Ref. 57223).