Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray denticulate on hind margin; gape of mouth not extending beyond vertical line from anterior eye margin; scale formula 3.5-4.5/25-29/3.5-4.5; 2.5-3 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 12 scales around caudal peduncle; 7-8 branched dorsal fin rays; anterior barbel reaching to, or extending beyond, posterior half of eye; posterior barbel extending beyond hind margin of eye; lateral line complete and more or less straight; maximum reported size 81 mm SL (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Description: medium-sized, rather deep-bodied species; mouth subterminal, its angle not extending beyond a vertical line from anterior eye margin; two pairs of rather long barbels; outer margin dorsal fin straight, third simple dorsal-fin ray partly ossified and denticulate on hind margin; gill rakers short; D:III,7-8; A:III,5; P:14-15; V:I,7 (Ref. 2940, 81282)

Coloration: back brownish, belly yellowish; usually 4-5 rounded, black spots aligned on sides; spots may be horizontally elongate or more or less coalesced in some individuals; always small, rounded, black spot under first dorsal-fin rays; fins colorless or yellowish (Ref. 2940, 81282).