Head with strongly developed, angular suborbital ridge; snout moderately pointed, with spiny tubercular scale at its tip and lateral angles. Underside of snout and part of the suborbital region naked; mandibles covered with small deciduous scales. Pyloric caeca 20 to 32. Body scales adherent, with dagger-shaped to narrowly triangular spinules in somewhat convergent rows. Anus is closer to the origin of the pelvic fins than to that of the anal fin. Overall color is swarthy to medium brown, darker ventrally; fins blackish; mouth dusky.