The first ray of the dorsal and pectoral fins is a stiffened and serrated spine capable of inflicting wounds.

Its ventrally located mouth is wide and has a plate of fused, cone-shaped teeth in the upper jaw used for rasping.

Two pair of long, stiff barbles extend from either side of the mouth and may have additional branches or nodes.

[4] This species is best kept in a dimly lit aquarium with a soft bottom substrate and rocks, pieces of driftwood and twisted roots arranged to form hiding places.

Broad-leaved plants, such as Anubias or Echinodorus and floating vegetation are also recommended, as the fish like to roost under these.