Mystus keralai Plamoottil & Abraham 2014

Distinguished from its relatives by its elongated, wider but less deep head, smaller eyes, deeper anterior part of frontal groove, longer base of adipose dorsal fin, elongated pelvic fin, anal fin and pectoral spine, weaker pectoral spine and longer base of rayed dorsal fin base. Can be further diagnosed from other species of Mystus by the possession of very long maxillary barbels which reach beyond caudal base, a distinct mid lateral stripe and elongated humeral spot and triangular caudal spot (Ref. 96965).

Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Analsoft rays: 13

The river stretch of the type locality is highly sinuous, generally rocky with deep pools at certain locations and has bed materials generally of coarser grade and of very low sand content. The pools have sporadic patches or fillings of sand deposits (Ref. 96965).