The body of the fish is cylindrical and it has a characteristic protruded snout, usually with star shaped tubercles on it.

The general colour is yellow-green with a darker band stretching horizontal over the body.

The eyes are typically red and the fish reaches 23 cm (9.1 in) in length.

The species prefers clear, running waters in rocky habitats of small and large rivers, and is also found in lakes and dams over rocky areas.

It migrates upstream in masses to breed, using the mouth and broad pectoral fins to climb damp surfaces of barrier rocks and weirs in the river.