Distinguished from other species of the genus in the Lancangjiang River by the following combination of characters: body compressed; median lobe of lower lip short, free margin truncate, not extending to a line connecting inner corners of mouth; eyes visible in ventral view; isthmus with small distinct scales, more than 18 scales between isthmus and origin of pelvic fin; gill rakers 15-20; supero-posterior margin of dorsal fin deeply concave; tip of anal fin pointed; color in life silvery, back dark, fins dark gray (Ref 13848).