Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray not ossified and smooth on hind margin; scale formula 3.5-4.5/21-25/3.5-4.5; 2.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 12 scales around caudal peduncle; lateral-line scales equal in size to other scales on sides; 8 branched dorsal fin rays; two pairs of moderately developed barbels; anterior barbel not reaching to anterior margin of eye/not extending beyond centre of eye; posterior barbel reaching to, or extending beyond, posterior half of eye/extending beyond hind margin of eye; lateral line complete and slightly depressed below dorsal fin; maximum reported size 90 mm SL; no black spot on dorsal fin; no bands on sides (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Description: medium-sized species; mouth subterminal; lines of cephalic pores well visible; D: III,8; A: III,5; P:I, 14-15; V: I,7 (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Coloration: ground color greyish, lighter on belly; scales lined with melanophores, more evident on lateral-line scales where they form vertical, crescent-shaped bars; dorsal and caudal fins greyish, simple dorsal-fin rays often blackish (Ref. 2940, 81282).