Diagnosed from all congeners from Java, Sumatra and Borneo by the unique combination of the following features: lateral line scales 31-32+2-3; absence of black blotch on end of the caudal peduncle; presence of subdistal crescentic mark on each scale (apex pointing backwards), overimposed with pigments on scale pockets, forming a reticulated pattern; 2 barbels, smaller than eye diameter; pectoral fin extending to ¾ distance to origin of pelvic fin; pelvic fin extending anus or slightly beyond; when folded backwards, dorsal-fin tip extending vertical through anus; and scale rows between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin 5½ (Ref. 75626).

Description: D iii,8½, the last two rays articulating on same pterygiophore ; A iii,5½ , the last two rays articulating on same pterygiophore; P i+16; V i+8 (Ref. 75626).