Fin formula: D1. I/6; D2. 0; P. I/9; V. 6; A. (14-16/11-12); C. 19. The body is elongated, small, and slender, with a compressed head. The mouth is small, and there are 4 pairs of barbels, with maxillary barbels having stiff basal portions. The dorsal fin has a short and strong spine. The pelvic fins reach the ventral region. The body color is grayish, with young individuals displaying 4 dark dorsal blotches that extend to the flanks below the lateral line. The adipose fin has a black edge, and there is a black stripe on each lobe of the caudal fin and at its base.