Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin; scale formula 4.5-5.5/27-32/4.5; 2.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 12-14 scales around caudal peduncle; 7-8 branched dorsal fin rays; two pairs of barbels; anterior barbell not reaching to anterior margin of eye/not extending beyond centre of eye; posterior barbel reaching to, or extending beyond, posterior half of eye; lateral line complete and deeply depressed below dorsal fin; 4-6 short and widely spaced gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch; maximum reported size 89 mm SL; 3 small, independent, round spots on sides; 2nd spot located slightly behind vertical line from last simple dorsal-fin ray; average distance centres 2nd-3rd spot/distance centres 1st-2nd spot (= RDT) is over 1.4 (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Description: medium-sized species; mouth subinferior; D: III,8; A: III,5; P:14-15; V: I,7 (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Coloration: basic color pattern consisting of 3 small spots aligned along middle of sides; 1st slightly before level of dorsal-fin origin, 2nd behind vertical line from last dorsal-fin ray; 3rd at end of caudal peduncle; this color pattern is characteristic for typical West African form of this species; additional spots may appear between 3 basic spots on mid-lateral line (lepidus form) and there may exceptionally be a series of numerous dots (larvae form) (Ref. 2940, 81282).