Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin; scale formula 3.5/22-25/4.5; 2.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 10-11 scales around caudal peduncle; 8 branched dorsal fin rays; two pairs of barbels; anterior barbel not extending beyond centre of eye; posterior barbel extending beyond hind margin of eye; lateral line complete and more or less horizontal or slightly depressed below dorsal fin; maximum reported size 35 mm SL; no black spot on dorsal fin; more or less distinct dark band along middle of sides (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Description: small species; mouth subterminal; D: III,8; A: III,5; P: 14-15; V: I,7 (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Coloration: large individuals with more or less regular, black longitudinal band along middle of sides, terminating in black spot at end of caudal peduncle; scales on back marked with black spots aligned in discontinuous bands; in small individuals, dark line along middle of sides more or less well defined on anterior part of body, but in cases where it is faint, a small spot becomes visible on midline of sides before level of dorsal fin (Ref. 2940, 81282).