This species differs from its congeners having an indistinct trunk and tail ridges, particularly lateral trunk ridge, in fresh specimens; the lateral trunk ridge terminates 1.5 body rings posterior to anal ring; short, wide and slightly elevated snout; 9 sub-dorsal tail rings; distinct

banded pattern in both live and preserved specimens (Ref. 75062).

Description: In juveniles, the opercular ridge longitudinal and angled little dorsally, is prominent, but reduced in adults; brood pouch under the anterior portion of tail, extends for 15 to 18 rings from anal ring; pouch plates absent or vestigial, brood protected by well-developed pouch folds which develop from the inferior tail ridges and touch or overlap at ventral midline within length of 1 ring. Females lack dorso-ventral compression (Ref. 75062).