Differs from all congeners from Java, Sumatra and Borneo by having slender body (body depth at anus 14.3-19.1% SL ; body depth at dorsal-fin origin 20.3-24.7% SL, except Lobocheilos ixocheilos with 19.9-24.1) and caudal peduncle depth 10.1-11.9% SL, 1.7-2.0 times in its length. Can be further differentiated by the combination of the following features: presence of broad, black midlateral stripe, reaching on median caudal rays, running above the lateral line on most of the entire length; lateral line scales 32-33+2-3; absence of black blotch at end of caudal peduncle; presence of crescentic marks on scale pockets, with apex pointing backwards; 2 barbels, about half of 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; 6½ scale rows between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin; head length slightly greater 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).