This species was considered a colour form of the related Pethia cumingii prior to its description.

It can be told apart from P. cumingii by the following combination of characters: maximum standard length 33.6 mm (vs. 41.2 mm); smaller eye diameter (9.8-10.5, vs. 10.8-12.1 % SL); 11+13 (vs. 11+15) vertebrae; cleithrum with a single spine (vs. smooth); proximal arm of fifth ceratobranchial with an oval…

This species is also traded/referred to by the vernacular name 'Ceylon fighting fish'. It differs from its only congener, B. hasselti, by its overall reddish (vs. brownish-grey) body colouration, and absence (vs. presence) of a mosaic-like patterning in the unpaired fins.

At least three putative phenotypes have been recorded. The nominative, and commonest, mostly inhabits clear streams in rainier zones…