Diagnosed from all congeners from Java, Sumatra and Borneo by having a large rounded, black blotch at the end of the caudal peduncle, except Lobocheilos ovalis for having small, vertically elongated blotch. Can be further separated by having the unique combination of following features: lateral line scales 33-36+2-3; presence of blackish to black subdistal posterior crescentric mark (apex pointing backwards) on most scales of body; 2 barbels, about equal to eye diameter; pectoral fin extending about 2/3 of distance to pelvic -fin origin; pelvic fin extending to anus and slightly beyond; dorsal-fin tip reaching extending vertical through anus, when folded backwards; scale rows between lateral line and dorsal fin origin 5½; and slightly curved sheath edge of lower jaw (Ref. 75626).

Description: D iii,8½-9½, the last two rays articulating on same pterygiophore ; A iii,5½ , the last two rays articulating on same pterygiophore; P i+13; V i+7-8 (Ref. 75626).