Differs from all other species of the genus, except Pimelodus jivaro, Pimelodus joannis, Pimelodus ornatus, Pimelodus pictus, and Pimelodus stewarti, by the possession of a dorsal median crest along supraoccipital process; and shorter

distance between the posterior nostril and the anterior orbital border (posterior nostril closer to anterior orbital border). Can be separated from Pimelodus jivaro by the shorter maxillary barbel, extending only slightly beyond caudal-fin base (vs. maxillary barbel surpassing total length); from Pimelodus ornatus and Pimelodus pictus by its

uniform grayish to yellowish coloration (vs. presence of two bands or dark dots along flanks, respectively); from Pimelodus stewarti and Pimelodus joannis by its longer pectoral-fin spine (20.0-23.5 vs. 15.4-19.6% SL); longer snout (43.1-47.9 vs. 35.8-41.8% HL); and larger number of premaxillary tooth rows (13-16 vs. 5-9) (Ref. 79502).

Description: A iv-v,7-8 (Ref. 79502).