Can be distinguished from all congeners in Greece and Anatolia in having 45-48 total lateral line scales (vs. 50-90, except Luciobarbus kottelati and Luciobarbus graecus). Differs from Luciobarbus kottelati from western Anatolia in having the dorsal-fin origin directly above pelvic-fin origin or very slightly behind it (vs. conspicuously behind), and the caudal-fin lobes of equal length (vs. lower lobe longer than upper); and from Luciobarbus graecus from central Greece by the lips fleshy (vs. thin), with the lower lip conspicuously thicker than the upper lip (vs. only slightly thicker), the middle of the lower lip with a median fleshy pad with a shallow groove posteriorly (vs. without median fleshy pad), and a well-developed black spot on each scale pocket back and the level below of the pectorals and pelvics, but not present on the scales on belly (vs. absent or inconspicuous). Additional distinguishing characters include: 15-17 gill rakers on first gill arch; last unbranched dorsal-fin ray weakly ossified, with small serrae along posterior edge. Males possess tubercles on snout during the spawning period (Ref. 77060).