Diagnosed from all congeners from Java, Sumatra and Borneo by having 4½ scale rows between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin and 12 scales around the caudal peduncle. Can be further separated by having the combination of the following features: lateral line scales 32+2; 4 barbels; pectoral fin extending to 3/4 of distance to pelvic -fin origin; pelvic fin extending anal-fin origin; dorsal-fin tip extending slightly beyond vertical through anal-fin origin, when folded backwards; length of head less than body depth at dorsal-fin origin (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+15; V i+8 (Ref. 75626).