Body depth 3.7-3.9, head length 4.9-5.0 both in SL. Nasal barbels extending to or beyond eyes when laid back, maxillary barbels to operculum or pectoral fins, mandibulary and mental barbels shorter. Dorsal fin very high, with a serrated spine longer than body depth; adipose fin very large, long, originated immediately behind dorsal fin (Ref. 4792). Large broad mouth (Ref. 12693). Inner and outer mandibular barbels with straight (non-convoluted) margins; 18-29 serrae on long dorsal fin spine in adults; body dark brown to black with pale stripe along lateral line, sometimes, with 2-3 irregular yellowish brown vertical bands (Ref. 43281).