This species is distinguished from P. moolenburghae in having fewer anal-fin rays 37-41 (vs.42-49); fewer rakers on the first gill arch 33-35 (vs. 43-45); a wider head 10.5-11.0% SL (vs. 8.5-9.9% SL); differs from P. brachypopterus in having more anal-fin rays 37-41 (vs. 31-35); shorter (23.1-24.3% SL vs. 27.0-30.6) and narrower (10.5-11.0% SL vs. 11.7-14.0) head; differs from P. mitchelli in having more anal-fin rays 37-41 (vs. 35-37); longer nasal, maxillary and mandibular barbels, reaching to at least anal-fin origin (vs. not reaching beyond pelvic-fin base) (Ref. 87871).