Distinguished from other species of Mystus except M. wolffii in having a short-based adipose fin (13.0-17.9% SL) and very long maxillary barbels that reach to or beyond the base of the caudal fin. Can be diagnosed from M. wolffii in having a more produced, narrower snout, a larger eye (23.3-29.2% HL vs. 16.8-23.8), fewer rakers on the first gill arch (22-29 vs. 32-41), and the first dorsal-fin ray produced and reaching to the middle of the adipose-fin base (vs. not produced and reaching to origin of the adipose fin). Differs from M. gulio in having the following characters: shorter head (24.1-27.6% SL vs. 27.5-31.6); longer maxillary barbels (reaching beyond anal-fin origin and frequently to base of caudal fin vs. reaching between pelvic- and anal-fin bases); the (anterior) cranial fontanel reaching past (vs. not reaching) midway between the posterior orbital margin and the base of the supraoccipital spine; longer dorsal spine (16.6-21.2% SL vs. 11.4-16.5); adipose fin with a longer base (13.0-17.9% SL vs. 7.7-11.5) and without (vs. with) a deeply incised posterior margin, and more slender caudal peduncle (8.3-11.1% SL vs. 10.6-13.0) (Ref. 91083).