Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin; elongated body; scale formula 3.5/25/3.5; 2.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 8 scales around caudal peduncle; 8 branched dorsal fin rays; two pairs of barbels; anterior barbel not extending beyond centre of eye; posterior barbel reaching to, or extending beyond, posterior half of eye; lateral line complete and weakly depressed below dorsal fin; maximum reported size 58 mm SL; 3 large well defined spots on sides, 1st before level of dorsal-fin origin, 2nd behind vertical line from last dorsal-fin ray, 3rd at end of caudal peduncle; distance centres 2nd-3rd spot/distance centres 1st-2nd spot (= RDT) is close to 1 (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Description: body slightly compressed and very elongate compared to other Barbus species (ratio SL/body depth is 23 %, against 27-28%); lines of cephalic pores well visible on cheeks and between eyes; D: III,8; A: III,5; P: I,14; V: I,7 (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Coloration: crescent-shaped band of melanophores on scales in and above lateral line; 3 spots on sides, 1st on 6th or 7th scale, 2nd behind vertical line from last dorsal-fin ray, and 3rd at end of caudal peduncle (Ref. 2940, 81282).