Differs from all congeners by having a unique color pattern consisting of five regular and parallel, black, longitudinal bands along the body, frequently expressed a series of interrupted lines or broken up into individuals blotches, and a white margin to the soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. Can be separated from other members of the Mastacembelus armatus group by having 41-43 + 47-51 = 89-92 vertebrae (Ref. 78150).