Diagnosis: Protopterus annectens annectens has an elongate body and paired fins are long and filamentous (Ref. 81261). The trunk, with 34-37 ribs, is a bit longer and the tail a bit shorter compared to Protopterus annectens brieni (Ref. 40587).

Description: Protopterus annectens annectens is characterized by an elongate body and a prominent snout (Ref. 2834, 81261). Eye small, its diameter comprised from 9 to 15 times in head length (Ref. 2834, 81261). Dorsal-fin origin closer to occiput than to anus; caudal fin pointed, but its tip often broken off; paired fins long and filamentous, the pectorals with a rather broad basal fringe, up to 3 times longer than the pelvic fins and up to twice longer than head (Ref. 367, 2834, 81261). External gills usually inserted behind the gill opening and above the anterior paired fin (Ref. 81261). Scales small, cycloid an embedded in the skin; 40-50 between gill opening and anus; 36-40 encircling the body in front of dorsal-fin origin (Ref. 2834, 3023, 81261).

Colouration: Usually dark, olivaceous or brownish, lighter below; irregular dark spots on fins and body, except on belly (Ref. 367, 81261).