During the reproductive period, adult males have black, horny nuptial spines on their chest and forelimbs.

They have a large oral disc and a muscular tail with not so well-developed caudal fin.

The mouth opening, including the upper and lower jaw sheath, is completely black.

It is known from the Lake Rara at an elevation of about 3,000 m (9,800 ft) above sea level, and is associated with tropical montane forest.

One specimen was found along the outlet stream called Nijar Khola that runs slowly through the Majghatta, Murma village which is the closest settlement to the National Park.