Diagnosis: head much depressed, often ridged (Ref. 4903), roundly pointed when viewed from above (Ref. 28714). Head width 1.6-2.2 times in head length (Ref. 28714, 57125) or 47.5-63% HL (Ref. 81641). Body rather elongate, 5-6 times longer than deep (Ref. 7324, 57125). Premaxillary tooth plate 6-7 times as long as broad, a little shorter than the vomerine tooth plate (Ref. 43434). Occipital process 4-6 times longer than broad (Ref. 57125). 9-11 branched dorsal-fin rays (Ref. 57125), the first prolonged into short filaments (Ref. 13851, 31256, 57125). Longest filament comprised 3-4 times in standard length (Ref. 7324, 57125). Predorsal length 2.4-2.6 times in standard length (Ref. 57125). Adipose fin long, its origin well in front of the anal fin (Ref. 28714), narrowly separated from dorsal fin (Ref. 43434). Width of premaxillary tooth plate 2.5-2.8 times in head length (Ref. 57125). Lobes of caudal fin often with short filaments (Ref. 7324, 13851, 57125). Upper caudal-fin lobe comprised 2-3 times in standard length (Ref. 57125).

Description: supralateral eyes with a free orbital margin (Ref. 367, 11410). Posterior and anterior nostrils remote from each other, the posterior being provided with a barbel (Ref. 11410). Nasal barbel 0.3-0.6 times the head length (Ref. 367). Maxillary barbel reaching ventral or anal fin (Ref. 43434). External mandibular barbel 0.7-1.1 times head length; internal mandibular barbel 1.7-2.1 times head length (Ref. 367). Occipital processus in contact with the first interneural (Ref. 42499, Ref. 2756). Dorsal fin with smooth spine (Ref. 367). Last ray of dorsal fin behind inner ray of ventral fin (Ref. 4912). Adipose fin height 2.5 times in length of its base (Ref. 3036) and its length twice as long as rayed dorsal fin, narrowly separated one from another (Ref. 43434). Pectoral spine as long as dorsal spine and with serrations at the inside (Ref. 367, 2756). No pectoral filaments (Ref. 2756, 3036). Pelvic fins inserted under 5th or 6th branched ray of dorsal fin (Ref. 3036, 13851). Lateral line system consists of a straight line of tubular elevations, from the scapulare to the middle of the caudal fin (Ref. 562).

Coloration: life specimens yellow-greenish or blackish with white belly (Ref. 7324, 13851, 57125). Fins darker, sometimes reddish purple; juveniles with little black spots on the sides (Ref. 7324, 57125).