Differs from all other species of the genus Glyptothorax, except for Glyptothorax siamensis, by the possession of a blackish brown body with indistinct pale longitudinal stripes on the lateral line and mid-dorsal regions. Can be differentiated from Glyptothorax siamensis in having a smaller eye with eye diameter 6.3-7.2% HL (vs. 7.5-11.2) and a thoracic adhesive apparatus with less convex lateral edges and absence of anastomosing striae (vs. presence). Distinguished from other congeners by the following characters: caudal peduncle length 18.6-21.0% SL; caudal peduncle depth 7.9-9.4% SL; vertebrae 36-37; tubercles on the dorsal surface of the head with a single, median ridge; pale markings on the nuchal pale absent; length of adipose-fin base 12.3-14.5% SL (Ref. 78392).

Description: A iv,8 or iv,10; P I,9+i; V i+5 (Ref. 78392).