Differs from all congeners from Java, Sumatra and Borneo by having a conspicuous, broad, black midlateral stripe, not reaching on median caudal rays, running above the lateral line on the middle half of its length. Can be further differentiated by the combination of the following features: lateral line scales 31-33+2-3; absence of black blotch on end of caudal peduncle; presence of crescentic marks on scale pockets, with apex pointing forwards; 2 barbels, smaller than eye diameter; pectoral fin extending to 3/4 of distance to pelvic -fin origin; pelvic fin extending between anus and anal-fin origin; when folded backwards, dorsal-fin tip reaching between vertical through anus and anal-fin origin; ½5-6 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin; and head length less than body depth at origin of dorsal fin (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).