Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin; head pointed; bones of suborbital series narrow; scale formula 3.5-4.5/24-28/3.5-4.5; 2.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 12 scales around caudal peduncle; 8 branched dorsal fin rays; two unequal pairs of barbels; anterior barbel not extending beyond centre of eye/reaching to, or extending beyond, posterior half of eye; posterior barbel extending beyond hind margin of eye; lateral line complete and weakly depressed below dorsal fin; maximum reported size 50 mm SL; 3 spots on sides, first 2 irregular in shape, often connected by thin black line; back marked with longitudinal stripes (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Description: small species with moderately compressed body; mouth subterminal; distal margin of dorsal fin very slightly concave; D: III,8; A: III,5; P:15-16; V: I,7 (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Coloration: back yellowish brown and silvery sides in life; back with 3 more or less distinct, dark longitudinal bands; 3 elongate spots aligned on sides, first 2 above lateral line (before and behind level of dorsal fin), third at end of caudal peduncle; lateral-line scales marked with vertical, crescent-shaped bar of melanophores; dorsal, pectoral and pelvic fins, as well as caudal-fin base, tinged with yellow (Ref. 2940, 81282).