Differs from Paraplotosus butleri in having a shorter dorsal fin and shorter nasal barbels, rounded pectoral fin shape, fewer upper procurrent caudal fin rays, and fewer gill rakers. Differs from P. muelleri in having a shorter dorsal fin and smaller eye (Ref. 31103). Color highly variable, ranging from pale grey or yellowish brown to dark brown, nearly blackish, sometimes with pronounced dark mottling; generally whitish on belly and ventral part of head; fins brown to blackish, frequently darker than body (Ref. 31103).

Description: Characterized by second dorsal fin immediately behind first dorsal fin and anterior to level of pelvic fin origin; depth of body about 7.0-8.0 in SL; head with four pairs of barbels; anterior nostrils tubular within folds of upper lip; gill membranes joined broadly across isthmus and attached anteriorly (Ref. 90102).