Diagnosis: adipose fin always absent; inner side of pectoral spine without serrations (Ref. 43912).

Description: 9-10 branched pectoral fin rays; 45-52 non-fused vertebrae; gill rakers long; 9-11 branchiostegal rays on one side of head; head rounded; lower jaw reaching almost as far as snout; dorsum strongly curved; pectoral fins rather well rounded (Ref. 43912). Parailia congica is distinguished by the absence of both an adipose fin and any serrations on the inner side of the pectoral spine; in P. spiniserrata an adipose is also absent but in this species the inner side of the pectoral fin is coarsely serrated (Ref. 43912).

Coloration: live as well as preserved specimens: base colour pale (light yellow brownish), with small dark points on sides (not along lateral line), head and back; chin and belly unspeckled; all fins finely speckled; longitudinal indistinct grey tail stripe often observed just above level of caudal fork (Ref. 43912).