Barbel with two terminal bulbs, distal one bearing tuft of filaments (Ref. 37473); separated by a long interspace, 1.7-3.8 times the length of distal bulb in specimens larger than 7 cm SL. Barbel length 31-82% SL except when developing. Terminal filaments short, 3-7 (less than 10% SL) without prominent bulblets, arising together from distal bulb or from a short distal stem; 1 filament thicker and longer than the rest. Some or all filaments with pigmented axes. Distal bulb ovoid , only slightly longer than wide, 1.2-2.5 times proximal-bulb length. Axis of stem and between bulbs variably pigmented; a black spot or cap almost always formed at proximal end of distal bulb. External chevron-shaped or roundish striated areas on stem unpigmented. Middorsal paired spots between occiput and dorsal-fin origin 7 or 8, sometimes 9 (Ref. 11333).