Diagnosis: mental barbels long, nasal barbels shorter; 4-5 rows of teeth in upper jaw, teeth in outer row larger than teeth in inner rows, which are curved posteriorly; 4 rows of slightly recurved teeth in lower jaw, outer row with largest teeth, except for mid-lateral teeth of inner row, which are similar in size to teeth in outer row; operculum, suboperculum and suborbital region scaleless; nape with some (maximum 14) small cycloid predorsal scales in a narrow band, not extending anteriorly beyond level of preoperculum; scales on abdomen smaller than those on flanks; 30-34 (usually 33 or 34) ctenoid scales in a longitudinal series (including 2 scales on caudal fin base), and 10-12 (usually 11) in rearward transverse series; 1st dorsal fin: VI; 2nd dorsal fin: I,11-12; anal fin: I,9-10; pectoral fins: 18-19 (rarely 17); caudal fin with 16-17 segmented rays, 14-15 of which are branched (Ref. 57403, 79590).

Coloration: Preserved specimens: light brown, with dark spots on flanks forming up to 10 irregular, dark cross bars, darkest at lateral midline; dorsal-fin rays with 3-4 spots, forming irregular longitudinal bands on fins; pectorals with a dark spot at upper part of base, distinct in life but fading after lengthy or poor preservation; caudal fin with spots forming vertical bands (Ref. 57403, 79590). In life: bands and spots on fins more distinct; body yellowish ventrally, yellowish brown dorsally; suborbital region with alternating yellow and dark patches (Ref. 57403, 79590).