Diagnosis: labial disk rounded and moderately developed (Ref. 57223, 81251), bearing very small barbels (Ref. 57223). Mandibular barbels small; no auxiliary mandibular barbels; papillae of upper lip with distinctive frond-like margins (Ref. 81251). Premaxillary teeth large, arranged in 3-4 rows; mandibular teeth numbering 8+8 to 10+10, usually arranged in 2 rows; eye small; caudal peduncle relatively deep; caudal fin weakly forked, with rounded lobes, lower longer than upper (Ref. 57223, 81251). Apparently no sexual dimorphism, but all individuals so far examined seemed to be immature (Ref. 57223). Top and sides of body with sharply contrasting dark vertical bands alternating with pale areas (Ref. 81251).

Coloration: live specimens: 3 very well defined black vertical bars; dorsal area from head to dorsal-fin origin, or to 1st vertical bar, yellow-orange to brown-orange, depending on individuals; light areas of body and of dorsal, adipose and caudal fins bright yellow or even lemon-coloured; pectorals, pelvics and anal fin pale yellow; faint dark cross-bars on central part of pectoral fins; anterior parts of adipose and anal fins marked with black dots; caudal fin with 4 yellow spots underlined with black; belly beige/cream or whitish (Ref. 57223, 81251).