Can be distinguished from its sympatric species Garra kempi in having the following characters: perforated lateral line scales 35-36 (vs. 40-42); vent to anal distance 52.0-60.0 (vs. 50.0-52.9%) pelvic to anal distance; predorsal scales 11-12 (vs. 13-14); circumpeduncular scales 16 (vs. 12); transverse scales between anal fin origin and lateral line 3½ (vs. 2½,); presence of a distinct submarginal band on the dorsal fin (vs. absence); presence of a transverse band of tubercles on the snout tip (vs. absence); and the presence of 7-8 thin stripes on the caudal peduncle (vs. absence). Differs from another sympatric species Garra lissorynchus in possessing the following features: predorsal scales 11-12 (vs. 14-15); branched dorsal fin rays 7 (vs. 6); branched anal fin rays 5 (vs. 4); transverse scales between the anal fin origin and the lateral line 3½ (vs. 4½); absence of a W-shaped color band on the caudal fin (vs. presence); absence of a rostral lobe on the snout (vs. presence); presence of a transverse band of tubercles on the snout tip (vs. absence); and vent to anal distance 52.6-60.0 (vs. 37.3-40.2%) pelvic to anal distance (Ref. 81034).