It looks particularly similar to N. alestes with both species possessing a colour pattern comprising a dark lateral stripe on the body, but can be distinguished immediately by possessing barbels longer than the head (vs. shorter than the head in N. alestes).

This species is variable in terms of colour. Large adults may be bright green, orange or barred but are apparently capable of changing from barred to plain in just a few seconds.

These different forms have been recorded in the same natural habitats, and some individuals also possess prominent nuptial tubercules covering much of the body.

This species has probably not been seen in the aquarium trade yet but has been maintained by a few private collectors.

It can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: secondary rostrum present; complete postoral pouch present; body colour brown with up to 9 thin gold stripes; head dorsum dark brown with gold reticulate pattern; subopercular groove absent; gill slit vertical; sublacrymal groove present; sno…