Diagnosis: body short and robust, its depth 4.2-5.2 times in standard length; head as long as broad, dorsal surface rough; maxillary barbels non-membranous and unbranched, up to 2 times longer than head; mandibular barbels with short, simple ramifications; humeral process long and pointed; 1st dorsal-fin spine smooth on anterior and posterior margins; 2nd dorsal fin with 10-14 rays; pectoral-fin spines more strongly denticulate on inner than on outer margin; caudal fin deeply forked, with upper lobe slightly longer than lower (Ref. 57223).

Coloration: general colour pattern similar to that of M. niloticus, but there seem to be fewer dots on dorsal fins (Ref. 57223).