Diagnosis: Head pointed (Ref. 2940, 81282). Two pairs of moderately developed barbels, anterior pair may reach the anterior border of eye, posterior pair to the middle of eye; lateral line complete and horizontal; 22-27 scales in lateral line; 3.5 scales between lateral line and dorsal fin origin; 3.5 scales between lateral line and mid-belly; 2.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 12 scales around caudal peduncle; dorsal fin with slightly concave border; 8 branched dorsal fin rays; last simple dorsal-fin ray flexible and smooth on hind margin; no black spots; distinct black stripe in middle of sides and snout; dorsal fin colorless; maximum reported size 96 mm SL (Ref. 2940, 81282, 81639).

Description: Medium-sized species (Ref. 81639). Dorsal profile slightly convex; pit-lines on head clearly visible (Ref. 81639). Dorsal fin with 3 unbranched and 8 branched rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5 branched rays (Ref. 2940, 81282, 81639).

Colouration: Typically a black longitudinal band on sides, extending forward unto gill cover; in some populations band may be heavily shaded, as in preserved specimens; lateral-line scales, as well as those on back and in first series below lateral line, black-edged; dorsal and caudal fins yellowish in life, anal fin orange, pectorals and pelvic fins yellowish (Ref. 2940, 81282, 81639, 122753).