This species can be diagnosed from all congeners by the combination of the following characters: lateral line incomplete, with 3-4 pored scales; 21-22 + 1 scales in lateral series, ½4/1/2½ scales in transverse line on body; 8 predorsal scales; last unbranched dorsal-fin ray thick, straight, serrated, with 20-25 serrae on posterior margin; barbels absent; a broad black band around the caudal peduncle covering scales 19-21 in the longitudinal series. Three diffuse black blotches on the body, first behind opercle, second below dorsal-fin origin, third above anal-fin origin. Black spot at base and origins of dorsal, anal and pelvic fins (Ref. 94011).