Caudal and pectoral fins rounded. Pelvic fins united forming a complete sucking disk, originating under pectoral fin base. Head broad with convex snout. Eyes dorsolateral in position extending above profile contour. Mouth oblique with distinct lips.
Maxilla reach back beneath rear of eye.
Caniniform teeth arranged in jaws in 3-5 rows, larger in outer row. Most scales ctenoid, none on breast. A small cryptic species feeding on small invertebrates, chiefly herpacticod copepods and nematodes. Gonochronistic species with sexual dimorphism. In males, first dorsal spine elongated.