Differs from all congeners from Java, Sumatra and Borneo by having an oval, vertically elongated, black blotch at end of caudal peduncle (distinct in small individuals; vs. a large, rounded blotch or no blotch). Can be further differentiated by the combination of the following features: lateral line scales 32-33+2-3; presence of blackish to black distal posterior crescentic marks on body scale, with apex pointing backwards, and dark scale pockets, forming a reticulated pattern; 2 maxillary barbels, about equal to eye diameter; pectoral fin extending about 3/4 of distance to pelvic -fin origin; pelvic fin extending between anus and anal-fin origin; when folded backwards, dorsal-fin tip reaching slightly in front of vertical through anal-fin origin; and 5½ scale rows between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin (Ref. 75626).

Description: D iii,8½, the last two rays articulating on same pterygiophore ; A iii,5½ , the last two rays articulating on same pterygiophore; P i+14-15; V i+8 (Ref. 75626).