Neural spine of second pre-caudal vertebra very long and curved anteriorly reaching to about one-half the length of the neurocranium; caudal fin entirely free from dorsal and anal fins, eyed side posterior nostril tube-like with a small pore opening just above labial groove. Pectoral fins filiform with less than four rays. Body pale brown in color with a variable number (3-5) of darker blotches along the body midline, along the dorsal fin (4-6) and the anal fin (3-5). More or less longitudinal rows of blotches are often observed on well-pigmented specimens. Branchial cavity and peritoneum darkly pigmented.