Diagnosis: gill slits extending downwards beyond pectoral-fin insertions, but remaining separate by an interval greater than eye diameter; maxillary barbels longer than head, lacking ramifications, tubercles and a distinct basilar membrane; outer and inner mandibular barbels neither membranous nor globose, short and with thin ramifications; mandibular teeth mobile and short, numbering 68 in the holotype; humeral process scarcely keeled ventrally; adipose fin rather low and distinctly separate from rayed dorsal fin (Ref. 57223).

Coloration: the only known specimen, preserved in alcohol, has a blackish-brown back and a yellowish belly; no spots or marbling; all barbels dark and all fins, including adipose, black (Ref. 57223).