Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin; scale formula 2.5/21-23/2.5-3.5; 1.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 8 scales around caudal peduncle; lateral-line scales distinctly deeper than other scales on sides; 8 branched dorsal fin rays; anterior barbel not reaching to anterior margin of eye; posterior barbel reaching to, or extending beyond, posterior half of eye; lateral line complete and slightly depressed below dorsal fin; maximum reported size 30 mm SL (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Description: small species with moderately compressed body; two pairs of barbels; morphologically closely related to B. hypsolepis, the latter mainly found in the Sahelian basins to the west of the Chad; D:III,8; A:III,5; P:14-15; V:I,7 (Ref. 2940, 81282)

Coloration: body pale, with metallic-grey reflections; back with purple or very dark reddish-brown network formed by the pigmented edges of scales; fins and sides of head faintly pink (Ref. 2940, 81282).