Differs from all European and western Anatolian Nemacheilinae in having a stout caudal peduncle (depth 1.17-1.38 times in its length), long paired fins and barbels, and a deeply forked caudal fin. Differs also in having pectoral fin length 22.4-25.5% SL; pelvic fin length 18.2-20.1% SL; anterior rostral barbel length (8.1-9.9% SL) and posterior rostral barbel length (6.1-8.8% SL) (Ref. 55660). Also reported to be diagnosed from its congeners in Europe by having caudal peduncle depth 1.4-1.6 times in its length, eye diameter 16-18% HL, no suborbital flap in males, lateral line reaching only to anal base, and 8 ½ branched dorsal rays (Ref. 59043).

Description: dorsal fin with 4 simple and 7-9 branched rays; anal fin with 3 simple and 5 branched rays; pectoral fin with 10-12 rays; pelvic fin with 7-9 branched rays (Ref. 55660).