Diagnosis: head oval-shaped in dorsal outline (Ref. 248), fairly broad (width 15.9-21.1% SL) and rather long (24.1-27.6% SL)(Ref. 57129). Snout rounded (Ref. 248). Tooth plates small (Ref. 248), width of premaxillary tooth plate 22.3-27.5% HL (m=24.9), of vomerine plate 19.9-24.5% HL; interorbital space relatively narrow (40.6-46.1% HL, averaging 42.8% HL); barbels relatively short, but longer than head (Ref. 57129). Frontal fontanelle usually short and wide/squat ('sole-shaped')(Ref. 248, 57129). Occipital fontanelle small and oval-shaped; supraorbital and 'dermosphenotic' bones become sutured (Ref. 248). Pectoral spine robust and slightly curved (Ref. 248), with serrations on anterior and posterior margin (Ref. 57129). Gill rakers long and distantly set; suprabranchial organ well developed; openings of the secondary canals of the lateral line appear as irregular white spots on the body (Ref. 248).
Coloration: characteristic for its very light colouration; back and sides yellowish brown, belly light grey (Ref. 57129).