Differs from all other species of Cottus in France by having only 10-11 1/2 anal-fin rays. Other characters useful in the identification: posterior tip of second dorsal fin reaching rudimentary caudal-fin rays; no transverse bands on pelvic fin; lateral line complete, with 30-33+1 pores; 13 pectoral-fin rays; no prickling on body; length of caudal peduncle 58-71% HL; depth of caudal peduncle 26-32% HL; predorsal length 34-37 % SL; distance from tip of snout to origin of second dorsal fin 54-57% SL; preanal length 54-58% SL; first and second dorsal fins slightly to moderately joined; snout pale; first dorsal fin with very dark base (Ref. 55856).