It can be distinguished from all its congeners, with the exception of the newly split Kryptopterus geminus, by the almost flat dorsal profile with no concavity behind the head.

This species grows to a length of 14.6 centimetres (5.7 in) SL.

[3] This distinctively shaped, translucent fish is found in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra.

K. cryptopterus can be distinguished from this close relative by its broader head, shorter snout, shorter anal fin and eyes located much more ventrally.

In Thailand it is one of the catfish species known in the markets as Pla Nuea On (ปลาเนื้ออ่อน), highly valued as food in the local cuisine for its delicate flesh.